Free and Reduced Tickets

Who is entitled to free and reduced tickets to Pompeii?

Free admission

Children under 18 years old receive free admission to Pompeii ruins with valid identification. This applies to all minors regardless of nationality.

People with disabilities are also entitled to free admission for themselves as well as for the accompanying person.

First Sunday visitors can enter Pompeii for free on the first Sunday of each month. This free admission policy applies to all visitors regardless of age or nationality.

Visitors with specific documentation proving eligibility for free admission must visit the physical ticket office. Free tickets cannot be purchased online and require identity verification at the entrance gates.

Reduced tickets

EU citizens aged 18-24 pay only €2.00 with proper identification. The same reduced rate applies to non-EU citizens holding qualifying Italian residence permits.

Enhanced tickets cost €22.00 and include access to suburban villas like Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, and Villa Regina in Boscoreale with Antiquarium.

The comprehensive Pompeii+ ticket costs €26.00 and provides three-day access to multiple sites including Oplontis, Villa Arianna, Villa San Marco, and shuttle bus service.

Annual passes are available for €35.00 (€8.00 for under-25 EU citizens), providing unlimited access to all Archaeological Park sites for one year.

Free admission days

First Sunday of every month offers free admission to all Pompeii sites. This "Domenica al Museo" initiative applies to all Italian cultural heritage sites.

Visitors cannot book tickets online for free admission days. They must arrive at the physical ticket offices located at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, or Piazza Esedra.

Free admission days operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should arrive early to secure entry before daily limits are reached.

The park maintains the same operating hours on free days. Entry policies remain identical to regular admission days except for the waived fees.

Tourism and access to Pompeii

Visiting Pompeii today

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.

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Conservation efforts and the Antiquarium

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.

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FAQs and tips

How can one obtain free or reduced-price tickets to Pompeii?
Which days offer free admission to the Pompeii archaeological site?
What options are available for skip the line tickets, and are they recommended for Pompeii?