Visit Pompei, Tourism and travel tips

A dive into the past: Pompei - first part

BRIEF HISTORY OF POMPEI

Pompei, found in Italy, is a resort town that is situated in the Roman Empire. It is located in the Campania region in the Bay of Naples, south of Mt. Vesuvius (a volcanic mountain). It was founded by Oscans (Latin people) from the Pompey gen.Most probably, the name Pompei must have originated from these people.

In the 90 BC, Rome conflicted with her allies hence a number of towers were constructed. These towers were used to withstand a siege by the Sulla’s forces. A number of building were constructed here in the 100 years which followed and these included baths, temples, and theaters (an amphitheater and an aqueduct).

After a span of 10 years, the town experienced a great loss when a terrible earthquake shook it (it had experienced a volcanic eruption earlier). Some attempts were made to restore it but only to result to more deaths due to the pockets of escaping gas. The site was abandoned although the Civita settled towards the north on the ashes.

Currently, Pompei is the world’s most experienced in the practices of archaeology and preservation. It is among the list of the most visited tourist attraction centers worlwide. 44 hectares out of the 66 hectares (area covered by Pompei) which were affected have been excavated. The 22 have been left so as to be used by the future generations.

HOW TO GET TO POMPEI

Pompei is served by the Naples International Airport. It is just 29 KM away from the central part of Pompei. It is the most preferred one because of its closeness to Pompei relative to the other nearby ones. Currently, over 50 airlines are operating out of the Naples Aiport.

If unable to find yourself a direct flight to this airport you can use Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport (230KM away in Rome, Italy) or Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (253 KM away in Bari, Italy).

Once in italy, you can decide on the best means of transport to Pompei and the available ones include bus (SITA bus is most preferred), car or train.

WHAT TO SEE IN POMPEI

The amphitheater

It is located to the excavated area found to the eastern corner near to the Sarno Gate entrance. It measures 135 meters by 104 meters and has got a capacity of 20,000 people. Of all amphitheaters found in the whole world, this is the oldest and the best preserved. The main activities it was used to host included the gladiator battles, spectacles involving wild animals and other sports.

The Forum

Of the three main public baths found in Pompei the one found here are the smallest. They are located inside the archaeological area of the town. Despite their size, they have got everything that is used for the full bathing ritual. The Forum had two sections, one for men and the other for women and each had its own entrance. The frigidarium is in the first chamber and it is where customers (tourists in our case) take a cold birth. A warm birth is also afforded here but in the tepidarium. The other beautiful places to see here include the apodyterium, the courtyard, a Stucco Giant in the tepidarium, the Blazier located in the tepidarium, the Calidarium and the Cold Water Bath that is located in the Calidarium.

The Gymnasium (the Great Palestra)

It is found behind the amphitheater and occupies a very large area. It measures 141 meters by 137 meters. It is a public area that is used as a public gymnasium and a ground for exercises. It was specifically meant for youths and men who participated in sporting activities like wrestling, swimming, discus and for running. At its center is a large swimming pool. The Palaestra has 10 gates and a big wall that is surrounds it. It is a very outstanding monument that is worth seeing in a life time. Its three sides have got lengthy internal colonnades.

Lupanar

This building is located in the corner of two spirits and was built with two storeys. Of all the brothels in Pompei, this is the biggest and most popular. It is also the most visited building on the site with a lot of queues of tourists who are eagerly waiting for their turns to have glimpse of the inside of the Lupanar. Inside it are small rooms with stone beds and some naughty pornographic drawings on the walls that indicate the type of services available in the building.

There are other more great places that you should visit before leaving Pompei. Make sure you exploit the whole of it to derive maximum utility from your tour there.

A dive into the past: Pompei - second part

scritto da Dave Mitchell - ultima modifica il 03/09/2019

A dive into the past: Pompei - second part

The Villa of the Mysteries

This Villa is located just outside the city walls. On it is the most famous Pompeian wall-painting. It contains a room (that is called The Initiation Chamber) which is decorated with very beautiful but strange scenes. Initiations took place here and they marked a transition from childhood to adulthood. There is an opening between the first and last scenes of the fresco that leads into the chamber. Fresco images in the Villa of Mysteries shows the passage rites for the Pompei women. What a tourist enjoys here most are the wonderful frescoes and the mystery which took place in the ancient times.

The Temple of Apollo

It is located on the western side of the Forum to the north of the Basilica. It is the oldest building in the Forum and was built by the Greeks. Estruscan items and some other oldest remains were discovered here which dates back to the 575 BC. A tour to this place gives you a beautiful glimpse of how beautiful temples were devoted to the gods of the Ancient Rome.

The House of the Faun

In the whole of the Roman Republic, it is one of the most luxurious aristocratic houses. It is also the most expensive residence in the ancient Pompeii measuring 3,000 meters squared. On its floors were lavish mosaics but only a few are remaining in place. Some of these mosaics were removed and taken on display at the National Museum of Naples. On your entrance into this massive construction, you will see a statue of The Faun although this is a duplicate. The original statue was also taken on display to the National Museum of Naples. It is a wonderful house which gives one a lifetime wonderful experience.

The house of the Ancient Hunt

This is an attractive building in Pompei that is located a short distance from the House of Faun when heading towards the Porta di Nola gate. It has got many frescoes of hunting scenes. It contains some very fine examples of the 4th style generation. On the walls of the 2nd cubiculum are the winter and autumn personifications. There are other beautiful decorations inside this great historical house.

Wonderful Paved Streets of Pompei

Pompei’s streets are all paved. Volcanic salt basalt is the material that was used in paving these wonderful streets that have never experienced mud. Be keen when walking on these paved streets during wet seasons because basalt is extremely slippery when wet. They were constructed with stepping stones which keeps your feet away from muck from cart-hauling animals.

Walks along these streets give one the whole tragic history of the Pompei city. Usually, it is very hot in these streets found in between the city walls. It is therefore advisable to carry a lot of water with you for body hydration purpose. Explore the whole of this area walking through these streets and let your eyes see all of the interesting features found in this place.

The Basilica

It is a wonderful public building that is located to the south west corner of the Forum. It was specifically used as a place of administering justice as well as where trade was carried on. The building’s main hall consists of a long columnar nave. Shaped tiles covered with stucco were used in the construction of these columns.

The House of the Tragic Poet

This is a house that is located in the Region VI across from the Forum baths. At its entry is a Latin word "cave canem" which means "beware the dog". There is also a decoration of a mosaic dog at the entrance which depicts all the features of a live dog. It contains a lot of paintings of Greek mythological subjects than any other place in the whole of Pompei. At its central position (center of the tablium floor) is a mosaic of actors that are about to go on stage to present a satyr play

USEFUL TIPS TO THOSE TRAVELLING TO POMPEI

You need cash because credit cards are not accepted at Pompei.

Come with plenty of water and a sun hut because this is a very hot place.

Great care should be taken when walking on the slick pavement stones.

Best time to make your trip to Pompei is between the months of November through to April. During this time range, hotel rates drop, bus fares are affordable and there are no congestions in the narrow streets of Pompei.

Advisable to arrive at Pompei just before the ruins open at 8.30. It is advisable to therefore stay somewhere nearby.

Enjoy your holiday to the fullest over here and I assure you that at the end of it all, you will be longing for more of the Pompei.

A dive into the past: Pompei - first part

scritto da Dave Mitchell - ultima modifica il 22/11/2019

The archaeological city of Ercolano: what to see

Ercolano (13,3Km)

The archaeological city of Ercolano: what to see

Brief History of Ercolano

This is a town and a municipality situated in the region of Naples at the southern part of Italy, Campania. The town lies at Mount Vesuvius western foot on the bay of Naples at the southeast part of the city of Naples. The ancient town was built the remnants of a volcanic eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Herculaneum, an ancient city from which Ercolano name is derived.

The town is believed to have been found by an Italic tribe called Oscans around 8th century BC later becoming a dominion of Samnite and Etruscan. The city become a renowned tourist resort while under the Roman control which saw some of the richest Roman citizens pass their summer vocations in this town.

Herculaneum had previously suffered serious damage from an earthquake in AD 63 but had the bigger hit by the most famous eruption in world history when Vesuvius blew its lid with its eruption burying Herculaneum in a tidal wave of molten mud which enveloped the city with up to 82 feet of burning mud, rocks and sand. It is said most of its citizen died out of thermal shock from the hot pyroclastic surges rather than being buried under the ash like the neighboring Pompeii town.

After this incidence the town was repopulated in the next 1000 years which consequently saw the creation of a small town Resina which was named after the ancient sanctuary. Homes and neighborhoods were built above the uncovered ancient ruins of Herculaneum, this development triggered rediscovering and exploration of this ancient city. Resina ultimately became part of the municipal area of the city of Naples after the unification of Italy in 1861who took it up from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The town was later renamed from Resina to Ercolano in 1969 in a bid to revise the old name in honor of the primeval capital, Herculaneum.

Sights to visit in Ercolano

Ercolano has a relatively small archeological site as compared to that of Pompeii but the house that were excavated after the eruption are still intact with many still preserving their floor mosaics and their second stories, wall frescoes, wooden furnishings, ceiling stuccoes amongst other decors.

The following are a number of these houses which have come to be tourist attractions in Ercolano:

The Baths also known as Thermae

Although in ruins, these remains are still in pretty good shape and a visit to them will give you an idea of how a typical ancient Roman citizen experience at these baths. After tiring exercises at the fitness center (palestra) one would continue to either the men’s or women’s section dipping first in the hot tub known as calidarium before entering the tub full of warm water and finally jumping to the frigidarium, a cold pool meant to close the pores. Some of the stuccoes and the domed ceilings still exist.

House of bicentenary

This house excavation was finished in 1938 two hundred years after the official digging had started hence named bicentenary. This house is decorated with frescoes and a cross that probably could be the oldest artifact testifying Christianity in Roman Empire.

Casa sannitica

This house has an arrangement that was distinctive of the Samnites, an ancient community that lived in this mountainous part. The remains of the casa Sannitica has its rooms decorated with frescoes with this impressive atrium that is kilted by gallery with lonic columns.

The House of the Mosaic Atrium

This is surrounded with surging checkerboard medley on the atrium floor with mythological scenes frescoed in room that overlook the garden.

Casa dei Cervi (house stags)

This is a rich patrician mansion which probably is one of the most beautiful houses overlooking the Bay. The house is well decorated with numerous frescoes and artworks including a marvelous sculptured group of stags being attacked by dogs.

Pistrinum (bakers)

An inscription on this building states that the bakery belonged to one Sextus Patulus Felix. A large oven and mills can be seen at the backyard of the baker’s.

Theater

The theatre which is placed at the edge of the archeological site is believed to have been accommodating an approximated two thousand spectators.

Casa a Graticcio

This house derives its name from the wooden trellis which formed the graticcio (framework) of its walls. This house is the only antique example of this technique of construction.

Casa del Mosaico di Nettuno e Anfitrite

This is another archeological site of a house equipped with a shop having its counter facing to the street. The nymphaeum is decorated by mosaics that depict Amphitrite and Neptune.

Discover the surrounding of Ercolano

scritto da Bridget Brackett - ultima modifica il 22/05/2020

The archaeological city of Ercolano: the surrounding

Ercolano (13,3Km)

The archaeological city of Ercolano: the surrounding

This is a town and a municipality situated in the region of Naples at the southern part of Italy,Campania. The town lies at Mount Vesuvius western foot on the bay of Naples at the southeast part of the city of Naples. The ancient town was built the remnants of a volcanic eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Herculaneum, an ancient city from which Ercolano name is derived.

Mount Vesuvius

During your visit in Ercolano you cannot fail to give one of the most recognized volcano mountains in the world.

Mount Vesuvius is an immediately recognizable landmark with its peak forming the surroundings of Naples. This ominous mount is recorded as the smallest active volcano mount and spitting and steaming sporadically reminding the surrounding environs that it is still a potential threat.

The highest point of the mountain reaches to an approximated 1280 meters above sea level with the bus or a private taxi will take you for the first 1000 meters from where you can take a trail up to the crater.

The current crater of Mount Vesuvius measures a depth of 230 meters and a diameter of 650 meters. There a several openings at the base of the crater which discharged most of the molten lava from 1631 to 1944, the last time the volcano erupted.

A visit to mount Vesuvius gives a spectacular view of the crater with some of its rising fumes and the different lava stones which changes in color as you hike uphill and around its crater. When there is good weather you can enjoy the view of the neighboring Pompeii as well as the Bay of Naples.

On one of the mountain’s side you will see the disfigured scenery where the lava streams went downhill and the remnants of the funicular railway that was built in 1870 which last operated during the volcano’s eruption in 1944. Funiculi was also a song that had been composed to commemorate the grand opening of the railway.

The volcano was made a national park since 1995 and the place which was once up for commercial exploitation is now a preservation of fauna and a place of natural paths.

A visit to this mountain is not regarded as unsafe but adequate preparation is advisable since getting to the top requires a foot trail which is slightly above 200 meters. Do not make the mistake of coming with a just a t-shirt since it is a little colder and therefore while planning to take a visit to this mount, you may require a hat, rain gear, sun screen and water.

Getting to Ercolano one has several options starting by bus where buses make frequent trips from Naples to Ercolano and back.

By train it takes around 25 minutes from Naples and additional 20 minutes if from Sorrento. Get off at the Ercolano Scavi station to get to the ruins from where you will exit into a tiny square from where you can purchase tour tickets from private offices. Nevertheless it is vital to note that there are only two stations along this Naples- Sorrento line i.e. Ercolano and the Ercolano Scavi. It is from this station (Scavi) from where you take a bus or a taxi to Mount Vesuvius.

While using a car to get to Ercolano from Naples, be prepared to pay a toll of 2 Euros which is charged for using any part of the highway’s stretch. Parking might be quite hard to find but try parking your car at the southern entrance of the excavations, behind the police station.

The following few tips to Ercolano will make your visit worth the while:

a) Combine your visit to the ruins with a climb at Mount Vesuvius.

b) Hire a tour guide to take you through the archeological sites, alternatively purchase a book guide sold outside the ruins and you will not require the services of the tour guides.

c) The tour buses arrive between 11am and 2 pm and thus you may either go early or late to catch up with them.

Discover what to see in Ercolano

scritto da Bridget Brackett - ultima modifica il 13/07/2020

Sorrento, nice atmosphere of Campania

Sorrento (17Km)

Sorrento, nice atmosphere of Campania

If you are looking for a place to calm down and break amid glitzy and sophisticated atmosphere, having an awesome view of an emerald sea, Sorrento in the Amalfi coast is the place to go.

The name Sorrento was derived from the Greek word ‘’surreal’’ which means ‘I flow together, I flow, I complete.’ It is therefore not a coincidence that the name is in perfectly corresponds to the morphology of Sorrento ridge, made of two different and distant rivers which flow into the sea, embracing this city. The town is characterised by beautiful architecture, restaurants, cafes as well as shops catering to tourists.

How to arrive

There several destination airports that you can select. You may fly to Fiumicino Airport Leonardo da Vinci or Ciampino Airport in Rome then take a train to Naples Central Station, a journey that will take you slightly over an hour. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Capodichino Airport in Naples, where you will take a bus or a taxi to Naples Central Station; this will take 30-40 minutes. From the Central station in Naples, you will need to take Vesuviana Train to Sorrento in around 70 minutes. There is also a direct travel by bus from Capodichino Airport in Naples to Sorrento, taking about one and a half hours.

The most viable option is to visit the city of Sorrento is by taking a leisurely stroll among the amazing shopping streets as well as the picturesque town with its narrow streets lined with local shops. This way you have the chance to stop occasionally and take a sip of Limoncello, the popular liqueur that is nowadays exported all over the world. Ferries commute between Capri and Sorrento regularly, making it the perfect base for exploring the island.

The cultural side of Sorrento is similarly amazing and you will not be disappointed in its churches and museums.

The local bus service is also reliable and is good enough to take a trip to all the exciting places available in the region. If you want o get to the beach or the harbour and you want to avoid the steep walk, you may as well take up and down bus. In the event that you wish to enjoy the amazing sights in the sole company of your own being, you will need to hire a taxi and advisably, a chauffeur. Driving a car on your own will not be the best idea for visitors owing to the winding and narrow features of the road. The coastal roads are just above the sea and you will probably come across huge tourist coaches which can create difficulties at the bends. Although the best way to explore the coast is by car because you can stop off as you want, the best alternative is to use public transport.

A lift is available to take you up and down between the top of the cliff and the harbour and beach area. The lift only costs a Euro. The beach is one of the private beaches in the area and is located to the west side of the public beach. During the summer time after you have had a refreshing cool swim and you do not want to get sweaty by walking up the little hill, using the lift will be the best option.

You will never fall short of what to do in Sorrento as this city is bursting with possibilities. You may want to enjoy a splash in Naples Bay, take a walk through the active pedestrian only streets during the night.

There is a variety of thrilling things that you will want to do in Sorrento. The Charter La Dolce Vita will suggest beautiful itineraries that suit your time frame. Whether you are a long-time visitor and all you want is a lazy day at the sea or you are a guest on a cruise ship and only have a restricted time experience, you will be guided on how to proceed.

From Sorrento, you will head towards Marina Grande or Marina Piccola to accomplish just that. At Marina Piccola, you will be charged between 8 and 10 Euros for entry to the reserved areas with sand. You are assured of getting a deck chair and you will pay an extra 5 Euros to get an umbrella. Still, there is a public beach at Marina Piccola that has a small region with sand, but at the end of the day you will be swimming in similar water to the private beach-goers. The public beach also contains a sun baking area that consists of a large wooden deck. Marina Grande is the home to the fishing fleets. It is normally much quieter with a huge beach area spotted with a few relaxed beach restaurants and cafes.

If you intend to exercise and have fun at the same time you will want to cycle a bike. You can rent one and ride out of Sorrento to have a view of the coast from above. You will definitely have fun cycling on the winding roads, up and down the landscape. The bike rental available charges about 20 Euros for every 24 hours.

Shopping away from home is a good experience, as you collect different souvenirs to show the people back home. There are numerous places where you can do your purchasing.

Limonoro is a good point to start your shopping. It has the sweetest limoncello and you will have the opportunity to witness it being made. You will come to know that it is basically pure alcohol with some flavouring.

The historical centre of L’Alambicco has a wines and limoncello shop where the limoncello is offered free for tasting before you make your purchase.

A visit to Murseo Bottega della Tarsialignea will expose you to the amazing workshop and woodcarving museum in town. It is open each morning and offers you a firsthand experience with the arts, as you mix with different woodworkers.

The Church of San Francesco located in piazza San Francisco is another place to visit. During summer times occasional concerts and free art exhibits are held here.

Sorrento, Campania is truly an amazing place to visit. If you are planning to go on holiday or vacation and you do not have a ready destination in mind, well you just got one. Being in this amazing city is a lifetime experience which you cannot afford to miss provided you have what it takes. By visiting all the overwhelming sites and sharing in the ancient Italian culture by way of eating traditional foods, drinks and buying local handmade clothes you will appreciate that it will be worth everything. The long shorelines lined with pebbles and the tranquil beach milieu will free you from the busy and hectic life of office work. A single trip to Sorrento will turn your entire life around for the better, and it will not be surprising if you wanted to go there over and over again.

scritto da Bridget Brackett - ultima modifica il 20/01/2020