8 - Pompei, Italy

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Pompeii is in Campania, Italy, not far from Naples. 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. The remains of this most city were enlisted at the Unesco in 1997 and have received hordes of visitors from all four corners of the globe for many years now. Tickets are ?11 per adult (no reductions, unless you are under 26 or over 65 and an EU citizen and can prove it). A five-site pass costs ?20. This includes Herculaneum and is valid for 3 days. As entrance to Herculaneum is also ?11 buying this ticket saves you ?2 even if you do not visit any of the other sites. The Campania ArteCard, which costs ?30 offers free admission to numerous sites in the region if you are planning to be in Campania for several days. The site is open daily from 8:30 to 19:30 (November to March from 8:30 to 17:00) and the last ticket is sold 90 minutes before closing. It is closed on 1st January, 1st May, and 25th December.

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