lechua photography

Pompeii, a city buried from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD, is considered by many as one of the top archaeological sites in the world. The excavation efforts made to uncover 6 metres high of ash and rock have led to the rediscovery and restoration of this ancient city. Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site covers 66 hectares of land, 44 hectares of which have been excavated. A walk through this city feels like a journey to the past, and one would need to be there in its surroundings to believe that this place was once a thriving city of buildings and homes. 

We take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento which stops at Pompeii midway (half an hour’s journey) to Naples. Upon purchasing the entry ticket € 11.00, we are handed a guidebook and detailed map of the area. It probably takes about 6 hours to cover the entire city; the map is useful in highlighting the key spots to visit for those who have less time to spend.

Porta Marina, the entrance gateway with its two arched openings

the Temple of Apollo, the most ancient sanctuary in Pompeii

the Forum, the city’s main square, with Mt Vesuvius in the background

the Forum taken from the opposite end, where the Temple of Jupiter stands

remaining columns of the Forum

the high podium of the Temple of Jupiter

view of Vesuvius from Pompeii

city divided into regiones (neighbourhoods)

ruins of what was once houses of the inhabitants

Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus – one of the many thermopolia (’public snack bars’) that served hot food and drinks

erotic paintings on the walls of the dressing room of the Suburban baths

a water tap

cobbled streets of Pompeii

group of travelling priests gathered together at the small theatre after an impromptu choir performance - the small theatre supposedly had a roof and was known to provide excellent acoustics 

the exterior of the large Amphitheatre once used for gladiator battles

the plaque at the entrance of the Amphitheatre, in honour of the duumvirs (highest adminstrators of the city) who built the theatre

the wide arena of the Amphiteatre

Porta Nocera the southeastern gate of the city, situated at the beginning of Via di Nocera leading into the city

walking amongst the ruins