Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The origins of Pompeii are uncertain, but it seems likely that it was founded in the 7th
century BC by the Campanian Oscans. Over the next seven centuries the city fell to the
Greeks and the Samnites before becoming a Roman colony in 80 BC.
After its catastrophic demise, Pompeii receded from the public eye until 1594, when the
architect Domenico Fontana stumbled across the ruins while digging a canal. Exploration
proper didn't begin until 1748, however. Of Pompeii's original 66 hectares, 44 have now
been excavated. Of course that doesn't mean you'll have unhindered access to every inch
of the Unesco-listed site - expect to come across areas cordoned off for no apparent reas-
on, a noticeable lack of clear signs and the odd stray dog. Audio-guides are a sensible in-
vestment and a good guidebook will also help - try the €10
Pompeii
published by Electa
Napoli.
At the time of writing, the Casa dei Vettii was closed for restoration. The Terme
Suburbane, just outside the city walls, are visitable on weekends subject to prior booking
at
www.arethusa.net
. It's here that you'll find the erotic frescoes that scandalised the Vat-
ican when they were revealed in 2001. The saucy panels decorate the changing rooms of
what was once a private baths complex.
Porta Marina
The site's main entrance is at Porta Marina, the most impressive of the seven gates that
punctuated the ancient town walls. A busy passageway now as it was then, it originally
connected the town with the nearby harbour, hence the gateway's name. Immediately on
the right as you enter the gate is the 1st century BC Tempio di Venere (Temple of Venus),
formerly one of the town's most opulent temples.
POMPEII TOURS
You'll almost certainly be approached by a guide outside the ticket office. Authorised guides wear
identification tags. Reputable tour operators include the following:
»
Yellow Sudmarine
(
329 101 03 28;
www.yellowsudmarine.com
)
»
Torres Travel
Offline map
Google map
(
081 856 78 02;
www.torrestravel.it
)
Expect to pay around €100 for a two-hour tour, whether you're alone, in a couple or in a group of up to
25 people.
