Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1997
Size of heritage: 98 ha
- Buffer zone: 24 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 14,483°
Latitude: 40,750°

Summary

When Vesuvius erupted on 24 August AD 79, it engulfed the two flourishing Roman towns of Pompei and Herculaneum, as well as the many wealthy villas in the area. These have been progressively excavated and made accessible to the public since the mid-18th century. The vast expanse of the commercial town of Pompei contrasts with the smaller but better-preserved remains of the holiday resort of Herculaneum, while the superb wall paintings of the Villa Oplontis at Torre Annunziata give a vivid impression of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthier citizens of the Early Roman Empire.

Location on Map

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Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata

The Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata, located in the Province of Naples, Campania, Italy, are UNESCO World Heritage sites of immense historical and cultural significance. These ancient Roman cities were buried under layers of volcanic ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving them remarkably well and providing invaluable insights into the daily life of the Roman Empire.

History

Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata were thriving cities during the Roman period. Pompei, founded in the 6th century BC, was a bustling commercial center with a population of approximately 20,000 people. Herculaneum, located closer to the sea, was a smaller but wealthier town known for its luxurious villas. Torre Annunziata, situated between the two, was an important port city.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD was a catastrophic event that buried these cities under a thick layer of volcanic debris. The cities were forgotten for centuries until their rediscovery in the 18th century. Excavations began in the mid-18th century, revealing remarkably preserved buildings, streets, and artifacts that provide a unique glimpse into ancient Roman life.

Current State

The Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata are now open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the remarkably preserved ruins and gain a deeper understanding of life in ancient Rome.

Pompei, the largest of the three sites, covers an area of approximately 170 acres and is home to numerous well-preserved buildings, including temples, theaters, and houses. The most famous of these is the Villa of the Mysteries, renowned for its exquisite frescoes depicting mysterious religious rituals.

Herculaneum, although smaller in size, offers a more intimate experience. The city's well-preserved buildings, including luxurious villas with intricate mosaics and frescoes, provide a vivid picture of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the Roman elite.

Torre Annunziata, the least known of the three sites, is primarily an archaeological park that showcases the remains of the ancient city's port area. Visitors can explore the ruins of warehouses, baths, and residential buildings, gaining insight into the city's role as a bustling trading hub.

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Via Fossa Di Valle 23
80045 Pompei
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 10:30 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

POMPEI

Published: October 29, 2013
Length: 00:47 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MIK EYE

The city of Pompei was an ancient Roman town-city near modern Naples in Italy. Pompei was mostly destroyed and buried under 4 to 6 mt (13 to 20 ft) of ash and pumice in the eruption of...

Amazing Tour of Pompeii

Published: March 12, 2008
Length: 36:34 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Goorney

Take a tour around the the Ancient Roman city of Pompei. Unlike most Roman ruins, Pompei has withstood the test of time. It is possible to spend a whole day visiting the area, there is so much...

NEVE a POMPEI SCAVI (Photo Book)

Published: February 14, 2012
Length: 29:39 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MrAlberop

Il fotografo G. Carotenuto, il sette febbraio, di primissima mattina, ha immortalato la neve a Pompei, evento rarissimo che la allinea al resto d'Italia, in ben peggiori condizioni. Da queste...

Petrified Bodies in Pompeii

Published: September 13, 2008
Length: 07:55 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Ha Ketem

People who died 1929 years ago in the great volcanic Eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Il terremoto del 63 d C a Pompei - www vesuvioweb com

Published: September 20, 2009
Length: 06:26 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Aniello Langella

Nella casa di Caecilius Iucundus a Pompei, attorno al larario due bassorilievi ricordano il terremoto che pochi anni prima della grande eruzione, palesò i segni evidenti del risveglio del...

Capodanno 2015 Tiberius Pompei - Cena Spettacolo Le Monde

Published: December 18, 2014
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Ristorante Tiberius Victor Srl

Per il 4°anno consecutivo, Tiberius è orgogliosa di presentare il suo "Veglione di Capodanno". Esclusiva e raffinata, la serata si svolgerà nella sala "Il Sa...

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Near airports

Nápoli / Capodichino International Airport
Large airport - 14 mi (23 km)

Salerno / Pontecagnano Airport
Medium airport - 24 mi (39 km)

Foggia / Gino Lisa Airport
Medium airport - 72 mi (117 km)

Frosinone Military Airport
Small airport - 87 mi (141 km)

Latina Airport
Medium airport - 99 mi (159 km)

Pescara International Airport
Medium airport - 117 mi (189 km)

Bari / Palese International Airport
Large airport - 122 mi (197 km)

Ciampino Airport
Large airport - 122 mi (197 km)

Leonardo Da Vinci (Fiumicino) International Airport
Large airport - 137 mi (221 km)

Palermo / Punta Raisi Airport
Large airport - 193 mi (311 km)