Pompeii

Two thousand years ago, few people knew that Vesuvius was a vulcano, although in AD 62, what turned out to be a premonitory tremor caused damage to the ancient seaside resort of Pompeii as well as to other towns in the vicinity. Years later, many residents were still repairing the damage to their homes and public buildings. Then, in August AD 79, came the most devastating eruption. Horrible as it was fot those who suffered and died, the result for posterity was the preservation of an entire ancient culture, discovered centuries years later like an enormous time capsule.

There are on-site cafès at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Extra buildings are open to visitors Sat-Sun am. Guided tours are also available call the tourist office for more info.

Forum Every Roman City centred civic, commercial, political and religious life around the Forum, generally a long rectangular area. -
Theatre The large 2nd-century Bc theatre was built in accordance with the Greek system, using the slope of the land for the cavea.
House of Menander This grand house includes an atrium, peristyle, and bhats. It proved to be a treasure-trove of silver objects, now on display in Naple's Museo Archeologico.
Amphitheatre Far to the east stands Pompeii's amphitheatre - a tipically oval shape, though small by Roman standards. It was the first such built for gladiatorial combat.
Stabian Baths On the western side of Via Stabiana are the Stabian Baths, the most ancient structure in Pompeii, dating back to the 40th century Bc. The stuccoed vaults in the men's changing room have preserved image of nymphus and cupids.
Brothel The lupanarium, one the town's brothels, is decorated with frescoes depicting erotic acts and giving some clue to the proclivities of the prostitutes. It has recently been restored.
House of the Golden Cupids Named after the gold-leaf decorations of amorini (cupids) in the bedroom, this house was owned by the Poppaea family. That of Nero's second wife. The gardens were adorned with sculptures, marble tables and a pool.
House of the Vettii The interior of this house is dorned with splendid paintings and friezes featuring mythological themes. Currently closed for restoration.
Via dei Sepulcri & Villa dei Misteri The Way of the Tombs lies outside the city gates for fear of the dead bringing bad luck. Beyond this is the 90-room House of the Mysteries, where you can peek in to see the marvellous wall paintings.
House of the Faun the 1-m (3ft) bronze statue of the Dancing Faun, found here in the middle of the courtyard pond, accounts for the name of this house, which covered an entire insula (city block). Still here are opus sectile mosaic marble floors (coloured geometric paterns) as well as wall decorations of merit.
Mount Vesuvius In ancient times, Vesuvius was simply "the mountain", covered with vegetation and vines, until it famously blew its stack in AD 79. At least five other occurrences have been recorded in the last 400 years and expert estimate that it could erupt again at any time. Its last rumble was in 1944, when the pointed cone disappeared, along with the smoky plume that issued from it.

Via Villa dei Misteri 2, Pompeii.
081-5365154 / 081-8575347
Open 8:30am-7:30pm daily (until 5pm Nov-Mar) (last entry 90 mins before closing time)
Adm €11 (cumulative tcket for five sites €20)
Herculaneum: Corso Resina 6; Open as above; Villa dei Papiri
Open 9am-noon Sat-Sun; Adm €11,00
Oplontis: Via Sepolcri 1, Torre Annunziata; Open as above; Adm €5,00
Villas Arianna and S Marco: Via Passeggiata Archeologica, Castellamare di Stabia; Open as Above; Adm €5,00
Crater of Vesuvius: Open 9am-5pm daily; guided tours available; Adm €6,50