Pompeii

The city built on flat land originated by a stream of Vesusius stone. Pompeii controlled the valley of the Sarno river, and was a very important trading port. The first witnesses dates back between the end of 7th century and 6th century BC. In 62 AC a violent earthquake destroyed the entire Vesuvius area. Pompeii was rebuilt over many years. After 17 years, 24 August of 79 AC a sudden eruption of mount Vesuvius completely covered Pompeii with ash and lapillus. After the eruption, Pompeii was re-discovered in 16th century but not until 1748 during the sovereign Charles III of Bourbon - king of Naples, was it fully appreciated for its amazing artistic heritage.

Public road SS 373 – Provincial road 2B (Chiunzi Pass) to Angri – Motorway A3 – entrance Angri – direction Napoli – exit Pompei Est / Scafati. 40 minutes by car – approximately 35 km
Parking area near the main entrance (Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro)

Worth seeing:

• Archeological ruins – this is the most famous archeological site in the world; it stands on an area of 66 hectares of which 45 excavated and represents a unique artistic heritage of architecture, paintings and mosaics. The ashes and lapilluses that buried the Roman city after eruption in 79 AC allowed extraordinary conditions of preservation of the houses, the Roman baths and the Forum.
Visiting times/dates: dates: 8.30 am – 7.30 pm
Closed on: 1st January, 1st May, 25 December

• Pompeii by night – take a walk in the moon light amongst the ruins of the historical city and admire one of the most charming archaeological sites in the world.
Visiting times/dates: from 12 May until 29 October 2005 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm.

• The Forum – a spectacular promenade sounded by Ennio Morricone soundtracks for a walk along the itinerary allowing the visitors to know rhythm of life in Pompeii before the tragic eruption with the typical noises of a city during a normal day life with religious rituals and the leisure time. It surrounds the visitors in an amazing sequel of lights and projections, with images and sounds to live the tragic final moments. The visit last one hour.
Visiting times/dates: from 12 May until 31 October 2005 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm

• Basilica Pontificia of our Lady of the Rosary – the basilica has a magnificent façade in travertine ending with the monumental statue of the Vergin of the Rosary which was made by only one block of Carrara marble. The bell tower made in grey granite amd white marbles was built in 1925 is accessible through a bronze door of rare beauty.

Resturants:
• Il Principe – Piazza B.Longo, 8 – Sunday and Monday at dinner closed – Summer holidays: 1st to 21st August closed – Tel. 081 8633342
• President – Piazza Schettino, 35 – Monday closed – Summer holidays: 12 to 26 August closed Tel. 081 8507245
• La Locanda di Giulio Cesare – Via Colle S.Bartolomeo, 73 – Dinner only – Tuesday and Sunday at dinner closed – Summer holidays: 13 to 27 August closed Tel. 081 8504916