

Pompeii is an incredible example of both Roman civilization and the power of nature. It is open to tourists throughout the year, with opening hours varying by season. It is advisable to book your tickets online or arrive at the entrance early in the morning to avoid queues. Keep in mind that a quick visit to Pompeii lasts around two hours, but a complete one might take a full day.
Those interested in diving deeper in the historical context of what they're about to see might opt for a guided tour, which can provide in-depth insights into Pompeii's past. These tours usually last 2 hours.
For individuals with mobility issues, Pompeii created a "Pompei For All" path, starting from Piazza Anfiteatro, that goes through the most important spots of the site.

Conserving Pompeii's historical treasures has been a major focus to ensure its legacy endures. The ancient city has faced challenges such as weathering, erosion, and heavy tourist traffic, leading to extensive restoration efforts. The Great Pompeii Project, funded by the European Union, has been pivotal in stabilizing structures, restoring frescoes, and enhancing site management.
Central to these efforts is the Antiquarium, a museum that showcases artifacts and adds context to the ruins. The Antiquarium not only protects these valuable items from further decay but also educates visitors about Pompeii's rich history and daily life. Through a combination of on-site preservation and educational initiatives, these efforts aim to safeguard Pompeii's wonders for future generations.
Pompeii operates on seasonal schedules with different hours throughout the year. The site opens at 9:00 AM every day it operates.
During summer months from April 1 to October 31, the last entrance is at 5:30 PM with closing at 7:00 PM. Winter hours from November 1 to March 31 have an earlier last entrance at 3:30 PM and closing at 5:00 PM.
Weekends during peak season offer earlier access at 8:30 AM to accommodate larger visitor flows. Starting at 6:00 PM, some regions within the site have limited access.
Saturday and Sunday visitors can enter the site earlier at 8:30 AM during peak tourist periods. This earlier access helps manage the increased weekend crowds.
The regular opening time of 9:00 AM still applies, but the earlier entry option provides more flexibility. Closing times remain the same as weekday schedules based on the seasonal calendar.
Visitors can buy tickets online through the official Archaeological Park website or authorized ticket vendors. On-site ticket offices operate during the same hours as the archaeological site.
Multiple online platforms offer advance booking with various tour packages and entry options. Physical ticket counters are located at the main entrances to Pompeii.
The site has a daily visitor limit of 20,000 people with time slots during peak summer months. Advance booking ensures entry during busy periods.
Summer months from April to October use time slots with 15,000 maximum admissions between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Same-day tickets are available but subject to daily capacity limits.
Pompeii closes on December 25th, May 1st, and January 1st unless otherwise announced. These are the only guaranteed closure days throughout the year.
Operating hours remain standard on other public holidays when the site is open. Visitors should check the official website for any temporary schedule changes during holiday periods.
A comprehensive visit to see the main highlights takes approximately 4 hours for most visitors. The 44-square-hectare site would require at least two full days to explore completely.
Summer visits can be particularly tiring due to heat and sun exposure. Visitors should plan accordingly and consider shorter visits during the hottest parts of the day.