Best things to do in Pompeii

Pompeii: The Absolute Essentials

Frozen in time by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii provides an unparalleled look into Roman urban life. This selection highlights the city's civic heart at the Forum and Basilica, its entertainment venues like the Teatro Grande, and sophisticated private residences including the House of the Faun and House of the Vettii. Visitors can explore essential infrastructure from the Stabian Baths to the Macellum market, witnessing preserved frescoes, intricate mosaics, and the architectural layout of a once-thriving ancient commercial hub.

Pompeii: The Absolute Essentials — Map

Morn the Gorn / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Pompeii Archaeological Site

Ancient Roman city ruins preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, featuring extensive well-preserved buildings, mosaics, and artifacts.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Foro di Pompei

The religious, political, and commercial center of the city, this expansive rectangular plaza is surrounded by major public buildings, administrative offices, and the Temple of Jupiter.

fot. Radomił / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Teatro Grande

A horseshoe-shaped theater built into a natural slope during the 2nd century BC. It originally accommodated 5,000 spectators for performances of comedies and tragedies.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Macellum of Pompeii

The Macellum of Pompeii was located on the Forum and as the provision market of Pompeii was one of the focal points of the ancient city.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Stabian Baths

The Stabian Baths are an ancient Roman bathing complex in Pompeii, Italy, the oldest and the largest of the five public baths in the city.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Suburban Baths

The Suburban Baths are a building in Pompeii, Italy, a town in the Italian region of Campania that was buried by the eruption of Mount…

Miguel Hermoso Cuesta / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

House of the Faun

The House of the Faun, constructed in the 2nd century BC during the Samnite period, was a grand Hellenistic palace that was framed by…

sailko / CC BY 2.5

H

House of the Vettii

The House of the Vettii is a domus located in the Roman town Pompeii, which was preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Christian Weigt / CC-BY-SA

I

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, also known as the Sanctuary of Apollo, is a Roman temple built in 120 BC and dedicated to the Greek and Roman god…

Fer.filol / Public domain

J

Lupanar (brothel)

The Lupanar is the ruined building of an ancient Roman brothel in the city of Pompeii.

MatthiasKabel / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

House of Menander

The House of Menander is one of the richest and most magnificent houses in ancient Pompeii in terms of architecture, decoration and…

WolfgangRieger / Public domain

L

House of the Surgeon

The House of the Surgeon is one of the most famous houses in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and is named after ancient surgical…

Wmpearl / Public domain

M

Tempio di Vespasiano

A small religious complex dedicated to the imperial cult, featuring a finely carved marble altar depicting a sacrificial scene and the Genius of the Emperor.

Olivierw / Public domain

N

Casa dei Dioscuri

A large, luxurious residence famous for its refined Fourth Style wall paintings and a fresco of the twin brothers Castor and Pollux at the entrance.

Velvet / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Forum Baths

Located near the Forum, these public baths feature well-preserved barrel vaults and intricate stucco decorations across separate sections for men and women.

Mentnafunangann / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Basilica

Constructed in the 2nd century BC, this was Pompeii's most important public building, serving as the seat of the law courts and the city's main financial exchange.

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