Uncover Pompeii’s Top Attractions

Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site of unparalleled historical significance, was once a thriving ancient Roman township.

Its fate was sealed nearly 2,000 years ago when Mount Vesuvius, located 23 km (14 miles) away, erupted and buried the city under thick ash and pumice.

Today, it stands as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preserving our history.

Pompeii, with its rich historical significance, attracts 2.5 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited historical sites in the world.

The site is not just a tourist attraction but a treasure trove of learning opportunities, divided into nine districts, each offering a wealth of sights and educational experiences.

These highlights offer a captivating journey through the history and culture of ancient Pompeii, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Here are some of the Pompeii’s iconic attractions.

Not sure which Pompeii entry tickets are right for you? Let us guide you through the best options, from skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to convenient day tours to Pompeii, to make the most of your visit!

The Forum

The Civil Forum, which housed significant structures for government, justice, commerce, trade, and worship, functioned as the center of Pompeii’s everyday life.

It began as a straightforward clay square and developed porticoes and tough paving between the second and third century BC.

Afterward, travertine slabs were used to resurface it, lining it up with Mount Vesuvius and the Temple of Jupiter. In 1813, excavations found evidence of past looting.

House of the Menander

Named after the playwright’s portrait in its portico, the House of Menander shows the grandeur of a noble Roman family.

You’ll find that the atrium has a unique design and murals of the Odyssey and the Iliad scenes.

A hidden chest with 118 pieces of silver banquetware, now at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, was found here.

The house, once owned by Quintus Poppaeus Sabinus—a relative of Nero’s wife Poppaea Sabina—also features a recreated chariot.

Amphitheater

Do you know that the earliest known Roman amphitheater is the Pompeii Amphitheatre?

It dates back to 70 BC and could accommodate 20,000 spectators from Pompeii and the surrounding towns.

Situated on the periphery, the arena included accessible staircases and a beautifully designed parapet dividing it from the stands.

The Roman Senate temporarily closed it in 59 AD after a brutal fight, but it reopened in 62 AD following a significant earthquake.

Temple of Apollo

One of Pompeii’s oldest sites of devotion is the Sanctuary of Apollo.

It stands close to Marina Gate and reflects Etruscan and Greek culture. Excavations uncovered a sixth-century BC temple.

Renovated between the third and second centuries BC, this temple features an altar in its courtyard and a colonnaded porch.

The bronze statues of Apollo and Diana, once honored by gladiatorial bouts and ludi Apollinares, now reside in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Plan your visit to Pompeii:

# Discover Pompeii’s opening hours and timings
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Villa of the Mysteries

The hall of the Villa of the Mysteries is named after a sizable fresco showing Dionysus and Ariadne participating in a Dionysian rite.

Here, you’ll see one of the best-preserved examples of ancient artwork, the ritual scenes, fauns, maenads, and feminine figures.

Impressive second-style wall decorations and small paintings with Egyptian influences can be found in other rooms.

The villa, which was established in the second century BC, has a winery with a restored wooden press.

The Large Theatre

Around the middle of the second century BC, Pompeii’s Large Theatre was built on a hillside and later repaired in the Roman style.

It has vaulted passageways between the three parts where people are seated.

During the Augustan era, Marcus Artorius Primus oversaw improvements that included the addition of a parasol and numbered seating.

The theater was the first major public structure fully excavated after Mt. Vesuvius’s eruption.

It once showcased Greek and Roman plays and was uncovered gradually from 1764 to 1951.

Learn about the facilities available onsite, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for visitors, and enjoy convenient dining and refreshment spots within Pompeii.

The House of the Tragic Poet

Known for its well-known “CAVE CANEM” (beware of the dog) mosaic at the entrance, the mansion has exquisite paintings depicting mythology, including scenes from the Iliad.

One of the most famous paintings in the living room depicts Ariadne being left behind by Theseus.

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is home to the original mosaics and murals, and Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s book “The Last Days of Pompeii” features this home.

The Temple of Isis

Pompeii gained international recognition when the Temple of Isis was found nearly undamaged.

Popular with the lower classes of Pompeii, this worship represented hope for life beyond death.

The temple has a lofty base, a basin for Nile water, an altar, and an offering pit.

Inspired by his visit to this shrine in 1770, Mozart wrote “The Magic Flute.”

The furnishings and statues are now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Wondering how to reach Pompeii from different locations? Whether you’re coming from Rome, Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento, or Positano, we’ve gathered the best travel options to make your journey easy and hassle-free.

Stabian bath

A wide courtyard is reached through the main door of Via dell’Abbondanza.

To the left is a pool, and to the right is a colonnade that leads to the men’s quarters.

An elaborate piping system heats these rooms and contains the apodyterium (dressing room), frigidarium (cold baths), tepidarium (middle-temperature baths), and caldarium (hot baths).

The women’s apartments had a separate entrance marked “Mulier” (woman) and were similarly structured but smaller and less ornamented.

Among the oldest in the Roman world, the Stabian baths date to the second century BC.

House of the Vettii

Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva were affluent brothers who owned one of the richest villas in Pompeii, guarded by a painting of Priapus.

Rebuilt during the Augustan era, the villa features a sizable garden with water jets and statues, overlooked by lavishly furnished chambers.

One room has a frieze of Cupids representing various trades.

The kitchen includes a Lararium painting, and graffiti mentions a prostitute named Eutychus operating in a nearby room decorated with erotic paintings.

Pompeii Day tours

# Journey from Naples to Pompeii for an unforgettable day tour
# Take a Rome to Pompeii day adventure through history
# Experience Sorrento to Pompeii with guided tours of ancient ruins
# Embark on an Amalfi to Pompeii day trip to explore the past
# Discover Pompeii’s secrets with a guided tour from Positano

House of the Faun

Dating from the second century BC, this is one of Pompeii’s largest residences, occupying an entire block of over 3,000 sqm.

The grand entrance, with marble inlays and the welcoming Latin word “HAVE” on the pavement, highlights the owner’s wealth.

Inside, the house features two atriums, two Peristylia, and beautifully decorated rooms.

Among these are a famous mosaic of Alexander the Great’s battle and a statue of a dancing satyr, both now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Note: Pompeii is an active place with daily excavations, so you should be ready for any changes. Because of this, some of the attractions can be closed temporarily.

Antiquarium of Pompeii

The following is what famous archeologist Amedeo Maiuri stated in 1967:

“Yet Pompeii, today more than ever, has need of its Antiquarium. The gradual expansion of the excavations, the preciousness and uniqueness of certain discoveries, the duty, the inescapable duty, to defend all that cannot be kept outside from atmospheric agents and dangers, if not from the ill-will of men, and finally, the usefulness of presenting materials grouped together and categorized, which are not to be found in the houses …”

The Antiquarium of Pompeii, built by Giuseppe Fiorelli in 1873-74, takes you on a fascinating journey through the daily life of ancient Pompeii.

Expanded in 1926 by Amedeo Maiuri, it features detailed maps and new discoveries, guiding you through Pompeii’s history up to the tragic eruption in AD 79.

After surviving WWII bombings and a 1980 earthquake, the Antiquarium reopened in 2016 as a lively visitor center and museum.

In 2021, it revealed a fresh, engaging layout showcasing famous artifacts like frescoes from the House of the Golden Bracelet, the Moregine Silver Treasure, and the triclinium from the House of Menander.

Recent finds, including the amulet treasure from the House with the Garden and new casts of eruption victims, add to its charm.

Enhance your visit with digital tools like a handy web bot and an immersive audio guide. The Antiquarium is a must-visit on your journey through the wonders of Pompeii!

Nine regions

Remember that Pompeii is larger than you might expect. The site is divided into nine regions, allowing visitors to explore it in an organized way. It is one of the most visited historical places in Italy.

The first region has twenty attractions, with the House of Menander being the most popular and visited place.

The second region features eleven attractions, with the Amphitheater being the most popular and visited ruin. 

The third region has only five ruins. The Schola Armaturarum, where gladiators used to train, is the most important attraction. If you are short on time, you can skip the third region.

The fourth region is not open to the public as it has yet to be excavated and explored.

The fifth region has nine attractions. The most important place to visit is the Gladiators Barracks (Ludus Gladiatorius).

The sixth region, also known as the suburban area, has 22 attractions. The Villa of the Mysteries is the most popular one. However, the House of the Faun, the House of the Vettii, and the House of the Tragic Poet are also popular.

The Lupanar (brothel) is the most famous ruin in the seventh region. The Forum, the Stabian Baths, and the Temple of Jupiter are also highly visited places in the seventh region.

The eighth region has twenty ruins in total. The Large Theatre, known for being the most sophisticated theatre of its time, is the most famous. The Sanctuary of Venus, the Basilica, and the Temple of Isis are also popular ruins.

The ninth region has nine attractions. The most famous is the Thermopolium of Asellina, an ancient food and drink establishment. The Central Baths and the House of Julius Polybius are also well-known.

Frequently asked questions on the top attractions of Pompeii

Here are some of the commonly asked questions on Pompeii’s attractions.

What are the most popular highlights of Pompeii?

The popular attraction includes the Forum, the Amphitheater, the Villa of the Mysteries, the House of the Faun, the House of the Vettii, the Large Theatre, the Lupanar (brothel), and the Thermopolium of Asellina.

Can I see all the ruins of Pompeii in a single day?

No, it is impossible to see all the attractions within a day. It will take at least two days to see all the ruins in Pompeii. If you have only one day, we suggest you go on a day trip tour, which covers all the highlights of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. 

How long does it take to see all the highlights of Pompeii?

It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to see the major ruins of Pompeii. Remember, if you visit Pompeii all by yourself, you may not know the importance of the sites and their history. Hence, we suggest you go on a guided tour to get the depth of the tragic incident that happened 2000 years ago.

Are all the nine regions of Pompeii open to the public?

No, the fourth region has not yet been opened to the public as the excavation is still being done. Only two-thirds of the site has been excavated so far, so more interesting things can also be found in the future.

What other attractions can I visit during my Pompeii tour?

Apart from Pompeii, you can visit other fascinating sites like Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae. You can also visit Mt. Vesuvius, and for those interested in seeing both Pompeii and Vesuvius in one trip, there’s a combo ticket available starting from Rome for €109.