Naples Travel Guide

Pompeii

In the year 79 AD Mount Vesuvius' fiery temper erupted in volcanic lava, burying the Roman city of Pompeii. The most evocative testimony to its victims is the 'frozen people', plaster casts of the victims whose anguished contortions and facial expressions reveal the horror of their untimely deaths. The excavation of Pompeii, which started after its accidental rediscovery in 1749, is an ongoing process and every decade has brought to light new finds that provide insight into daily Roman life. A comprehensive tour of Pompeii's attractions will take approximately five hours. Guided tours are available but are pricier alternatives to doing it alone. There is an informative 'How to Visit Pompeii' guidebook for sale outside all the site entrances. Pompeii is Italy's most popular tourist attraction, seeing nearly 2.5 million visitors every year.