History
In the year A.D. 63, a colossal earthquake devastated much of the city, but this disaster pales in comparison to the complete destruction of Pompeii in A.D. 79. The eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius sent torrents of lava and ash upon the town and killed at least 2,000 people. In 1748, the site was opened to archaeological exploration, and the site continues to be unearthed and restored today.
Getting There
Trains frequently leave for Pompeii from Naples and Sorrento. SITA buses leave Naples every 30 minutes daily, and you can also catch a bus from Rome.
When to Go
Southern Italy has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The most pleasant time to visit Pompeii is between April and June, before the locals clog the roads during summer holidays in July and August.
Sights
You could spend days just exploring Pompeii and her sister city, Herculaneum. You can also visit the Santuario della Madonna del Rosario, a nearby pilgrimage site.
Activities
Pompeii is located within the Vesuvius National Park. After rambling around the lapilli-covered ruins, spend the rest of your vacation hiking, trekking or camping at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.
Article Written By Heather Carreiro
Heather Carreiro is a certified English teacher who has been writing since 2008. The editor of Matador Abroad, her work has appeared online at BootsnAll, Matador Network, GoNOMAD, Journey Beyond Travel and Expat Women. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is pursuing a Master of Arts in English at Bridgewater State University.
