The buried city
Ancient Pompeii is the most famous archaeological site in the world: you can’t find anywhere in the globe such a big and whole proof of Roman civilization.
An ancient roman city, so tragically concealed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and incredibly preserved by ashes, dust and lapillus.
Since 1997 the archaeological areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata are part of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Visiting Ancient Pompeii, a few hundred meters away from Hotel Pompei Resort, is an amazing experience. You can walk around the untouched city as romans did 2000 years ago! So you can admire buildings temples, shops, modest houses or luxurious villas with their frescoes.
Pompeii was a rich rural and commercial area due to its strategic position on Mount Vesuvius slopes, facing directly the sea and the river Sarno.
Don’t miss
The Forum, the city’s main square, the heart of religious, political, justice and business affairs. There you can appreciate the ancient tribunal “Basilica”, the shopping centre or main market “Macellum” and, of course, the majestic Mount Vesuvius, right in back of the Temple of Jupiter.
The Amphitheatre, with its capacity of 20.000 spectators, was the place of gladiator battles and now one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world.
The Small Theatre, ideal for poetry readings, and Large Theatre, which now as then accommodate music performances and shows.
The Thermae, city public baths, were the most popular location for social activities. Open to all classes and women as well, the bathing practice consisted of a transition through differently heated rooms.
The Houses and the Villas are the most impressive proof of the Romans daily life.
Villa Of Mysteries with its superb frescoes of secret rituals; the House of the Faun, full of sculpture, mosaics and paintings which show the owner’s opulence; all the other simple houses, sometimes with a garden, always with an open atrium to get the light and collect the rain water.
The Thermopolia are the ancient fast food or snack bars. At that time a kitchen was very expensive and only rich people could afford it, so these public establishments became popular by serving meals and drinks to common people.
