Pompeii
Pompeii is an ancient Roman city frozen in volcanic ash. When Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, it buried the entire city under roughly six metres of ash and pumice — streets, temples, houses, shops, and everyday objects all suspended in a single afternoon. The city's history stretches back to the 9th century BCE, shaped in turn by the Oscans, Greeks, Etruscans, Samnites, and Romans before becoming a Roman colony. Excavations that began in 1748 brought it back into the light; UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1997. Today it is the second most-visited site in Italy after the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Step inside, and every wall and mosaic still belongs to that last afternoon.
- Founded
- 600 BC
- Official name
- Pompeii
Italy · 60 The overlooked corners inside
The overlooked corners inside
Large Theatre
This theatre is not round — it is horseshoe-shaped, carved directly into a hillside in the Greek tradition, which placed theatres on elevated ground at the edge of the city. At capacity it held roughly 5,000 spectators who came to watch comedies, mime, pantomime, and the rough native Italian farce known as Atellan comedy. The marble-clad front rows of the lower tier (ima cavea) were reserved seats for the town council.
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Mercury's Tower
Mercury's Tower (Torre di Mercurio), also known as Tower XI, is one of the best-preserved towers on Pompeii's walls, rising at the high point of the northern circuit. Its three storeys are capped by a crenellated parapet from which sentries could survey the entire city, the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius, and the Sarno valley. Built after the 3rd century BCE as part of a network of watchtowers added to strengthen the city's defenses, it is one of the best-surviving examples among the original twelve.
Sources: wikidata.org · planetpompeii.com · pompeiiinpictures.com
Pompeii Archaeological Site
The ruins beneath your feet are the best-preserved Roman city known to exist. Pompeii sits on the Civita hill near the modern town of the same name; in 79 CE the eruption of Vesuvius buried it — along with Herculaneum and Stabiae — under volcanic ash and pumice. What the ash preserved was not only temples and houses but the full texture of daily life: household objects, wall paintings, mosaics, and statues. A city caught mid-breath. In 2024 the site welcomed 4,069,377 visitors.
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Macellum (Food Market)
Stand in the courtyard of the Macellum and look up at the base of the circular pavilion (monopteros) at the centre — this was once a covered circular fish counter, open at the top so that light could slant in and smells could escape. The market was built in the northeast corner of the Forum, between the Forum colonnade and the Shrine of the Public Lares, and served as the city's principal food market. Its origins go back to the late Samnite period in the late 3rd century BCE; a thorough rebuild around 130–120 BCE added the central pavilion and narrowed the main façade. The western frontage onto the Forum featured a three-bay Corinthian colonnade, two main entrances, and one service entrance, with carved monster-head capitals. After the 62 CE earthquake a major repair followed: the colonnade was rebuilt with tufa columns, and whether the roof was fully restored by 79 CE remains uncertain.
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Temple of Apollo (Pompeii)
The Temple of Apollo is one of Pompeii's oldest sacred sites and, for centuries, its most actively used. The sanctuary goes back to the 8th–7th century BCE as an open-air altar precinct; the first built structure appeared in the 6th century BCE with a terracotta-decorated roof. A complete rebuilding followed during the Samnite period, funded — as an inscription records — by the quaestor Oppius Campanus; the annual Ludi Apollinares games were also held here. The 62 CE earthquake badly damaged the temple, which was still under repair and out of use when Vesuvius erupted. The twenty-eight Corinthian columns visible today are of limestone, massively proportioned; the temple cella sits on a high podium at the rear of the precinct, reached by stone steps leading up from the altar.
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Temple of Jupiter (Capitolium)
The Temple of Jupiter dominates the northern end of the Forum. It is an Italic high-podium… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Temple of Fortuna Augusta
The Temple of Fortuna Augusta was privately funded — a personal act of devotion built on t… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Temple of Vespasian (Aedes Genii Augusti)
The Temple of Vespasian — also known as the Aedes Genii Augusti (Shrine of the Emperor's D… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Ceii
The House of the Ceii is a Roman town house of about 288 square metres, built in the late… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Orchard (Casa dei Cubicoli Floreali)
The House of the Orchard — also known as the Casa del Frutteto — is defined by three rooms… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Moralist
The House of the Moralist is in fact two adjoining houses connected internally (III 4, 2–3… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Large Altar (Casa dell'Ara Massima)
The House of the Large Altar covers about 187 square metres and has an irregular plan. The… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of Laocoön
The House of Laocoön takes its name from a series of wall paintings depicting the myth of… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Faun
The House of the Faun is one of the largest private residences in Pompeii, covering about… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Gladiators
The House of the Gladiators (V 5, 3) was built as a private residence in the 1st century B… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of Octavius Quartio (Loreius Tiburtinus)
The House of Octavius Quartio (II 2, 2), excavated by Vittorio Spinazzola between 1916 and… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Labyrinth
The House of the Labyrinth (VI 11, 9) is celebrated for its Second Style wall paintings, d… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Menander
The House of the Menander (I 10, 4) covers nearly 1,800 square metres and is one of the gr… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of Sallust
The House of Sallust (VI 2, 4) is one of the few houses in Pompeii whose physical fabric s… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Dioscuri
The House of the Dioscuri (VI 9, 6) is one of the largest residences in Pompeii, formed by… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Surgeon
The House of the Surgeon is one of the oldest dwellings in Pompeii, built in the 4th–3rd c… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Eumachia Building
The Eumachia Building stands on the east side of the Forum and was paid for by Eumachia, a… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Triangular Forum
The Triangular Forum takes its name from its plan; it was laid out in the 2nd century BCE… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Samnite Palaestra
The Samnite Palaestra is the oldest surviving athletic facility in Pompeii, built in the 2… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Shrine of the Public Lares
The Shrine of the Public Lares was dedicated to the guardian spirits of Pompeii as a city… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Attii Pigment Workshop I (IX.2.11)
This shop (IX.2.11), known as the Taberna I Attiorum, is one of Pompeii's most concrete co… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com
Attii Pigment Workshop II (IX.2.12)
IX.2.12 is the second shopfront of the Attii pigment workshop (see the adjacent IX.2.11)… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com
Central Baths
The Central Baths were a new-build project begun after the 62 CE earthquake, designed to s… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
House of Julius Polybius
The House of Julius Polybius (Regio IX) is one of the largest private houses in Pompeii, n… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
Temple of Venus
The Temple of Venus occupies a commanding position between the Marine Gate and the Basilic… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Stabian Baths
The Stabian Baths are the oldest surviving public baths in Pompeii and among the best-pres… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Tragic Poet
The House of the Tragic Poet (VI 8, 3) is a compact house whose density of paintings and m… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of Julia Felix
The Praedia di Giulia Felice (Regio II, Insula 4) is one of Pompeii's largest multi-use co… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Centenary
The House of the Centenary (IX 8, 6) takes its name from the year it was excavated: 1879… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
House of Marcus Lucretius
The House of Marcus Lucretius — also known as the House of the Musician — was excavated in… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Forum Baths
The Forum Baths are the smallest but best-preserved public baths in Pompeii, built shortly… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Large Palaestra
The Large Palaestra was built in the late 1st century BCE to serve the whole city, at a ti… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Achilles Lararium
The House of the Achilles Lararium was first built in the 3rd century BCE during the Samni… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Ephebe
The House of the Ephebe takes its name from a bronze statue of a youth (ephebe) found in t… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Shop or Bakery of L. Betutius Justus (I.8.7)
This site (I.8.7) is recorded in Pompeii's catalogue as 'a shop or pistrinum (bakery) of L… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pleiades.stoa.org · pompeiiinpictures.com
Thermopolium of Athictus (II.2.3)
This caupona — a tavern and hot-food shop — takes its name from its owner 'Athictus', atte… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com · pompeiiinpictures.com
The So-Called 'Soap Factory' (VI.1.14)
The name 'Soap Factory' (Fabbrica del Sapone) is a historical misidentification. When the… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com · roger-pearse.com
Casa del Forno (VI.3.3)
The Casa del Forno ('House of the Oven') is one of Pompeii's 35 bakeries and was first exc… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com · worldhistory.org
House of Meleager
The House of Meleager (VI 9, 2) is an aristocratic residence built in the 2nd century BCE… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
House of the Five Skeletons
The House of the Five Skeletons (Regio VI) was named after the five human skeletons found… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
House of the Anchor
The House of the Anchor (Regio VI) was excavated between 1826 and 1829. Its name comes fro… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
House of the Prince of Naples
The House of the Prince of Naples (Regio VI) was named for a royal visitor: when it was ex… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Golden Cupids
The House of the Golden Cupids (Regio VI) is considered one of the most elegant imperial-p… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of the Gold Bracelet
The House of the Gold Bracelet (Regio VI) takes its name from a jewel found during excavat… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
House of the Ancient Hunt
The House of the Ancient Hunt (Regio VII) was excavated between 1832 and 1835 and takes it… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
Schola Armaturarum (Gladiators' Armoury)
The Schola Armaturarum (III 3, 6) — the gladiators' arms drill hall — was excavated by Vit… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
Pompeii Forum
The Pompeii Forum was the political, economic, and religious heart of the city: a north-so… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Small Theatre (Odeon)
The Small Theatre — also called the Odeon — is a roofed indoor theatre seating about 1,300… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
Doric Temple
The Doric Temple, on the west side of the Triangular Forum, is the building in Pompeii mos… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: it.wikipedia.org
House of Apollo
The House of Apollo (VI 7, 23) is a large house named for the repeated presence of Apollo… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
House of Queen Carolina (VIII.3.14)
This house owes its name to a royal visit: when it was excavated in the early 19th century… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com · blogs.cornell.edu
House of the Postumii
The House of the Postumii was the subject of a systematic research project led by Jens-Arn… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: de.wikipedia.org
Herculaneum Gate
The Herculaneum Gate (Porta Herculaneum; Italian: Porta Ercolano) was the main gate at the… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com · madainproject.com
Tomb of Eumachia
Eumachia was one of Pompeii's most powerful women: public priestess of Venus, major figure… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiisites.org · madainproject.com
House of Messius Ampliatus (II.2.4)
This house (II.2.4) is informally called the 'House of the Augustalis' after its decorated… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: wikidata.org · pompeiiinpictures.com · pleiades.stoa.org
FAQ
What overlooked corners are worth seeing inside Pompeii?
Large Theatre, Mercury's Tower, Pompeii Archaeological Site and more — 60 spots in all, each with sources and a guide in your language to read or listen to on the spot.
Is the Pompeii guide free?
The first 5 spots are free to read; the other 55 unlock with a one-time purchase (not a subscription).