Pompeii - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage sites visitors can explore, pompei that reveals a bustling Roman city buried by ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. A visit to this evocative ancient site is a must for history buffs and anyone with an interest in art, culture, or architecture. Wander through the well-preserved streets of a once-vibrant civilization and discover bakeries, brothels, a theater, an amphitheater, and much more.

Pompeii, meaning “Puma” in Latin, is a fascinating and eerie time capsule. Visitors can walk the streets and houses that were engulfed by lava, volcanic ash, and steam—and preserved for millennia. From real homes to surprisingly colorful frescoes, the ruins are a window into everyday life in a Roman era that no longer exists. And the looming presence of Mount Vesuvius adds an ominous touch to this ancient site.

While Pompeii’s public spaces are undoubtedly interesting, it’s the private homes that are arguably the most compelling of all. These lavish dwellings were filled with furniture, furnishings, and treasured artifacts that astonished archaeologists who discovered them. In addition, many Pompeii homes featured beautiful gardens (hortus) and even areas for viniculture.

Among the best Pompeii tours are those that take you through one of these residences, like the House of the Vettii, a sprawling home owned by two wealthy brothers. During your Pompeii tour, you’ll also see the city’s famous plaster casts, which offer haunting, real-life glimpses of Pompeii residents who were caught in the throes of Armageddon.

While some sites are closed to the public due to ongoing excavation, your guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, and your knowledgeable guide will explain all the main sights in Pompeii, as well as the events that caused them to be destroyed. In the summer months, your tour will also include a hike up Mount Vesuvius so you can see the crater and enjoy views of Pompeii, Naples, and the bay.

Pompeii is a hieroglyphic of a site—it needs an expert touch to bring it to life. This is why the best Pompeii tours are led by experienced archaeologists who can translate the ruins and reveal Pompeii as it was when it was still a living, breathing city.

A visit to Pompeii requires at least 8 hours if you want to see all the main sites. If you’re visiting with children, opt for a tour that includes a visit to one of the three Baby Points inside the archaeological park. These small "stations" are located at Via dell’Abbondanza, Via di Nola, and the corner of Via dell’Abbondanza and Via Stabiana and feature changing stations, a place to store strollers, and more.