Pompeii Ruins

Top Attractions in Pompeii Ruins

Large Theater and Odeon

In Pompeii, you'll find two theaters close together in the ancient city. The Large Theater (Teatro Grande), built during the century BC, is an open-air amphitheater where you can imagine watching Greek-Roman plays. Just nearby, the smaller Odeon was used for poetry and music performances because its covered space gave the best sound. While you're there, try standing in the middle of the stage and speaking in a normal voice--you'll hear your voice echo!

Temple of Apollo

Visit the Temple of Apollo, the oldest building in the ruins of Pompeii and a classic example of a Doric temple. While the original statue of Apollo and the bust of Diana aren't there anymore, you can still see copies that show the temple's amazing history and importance in the ancient city. Copies and other important artifacts from Pompeii can be seen at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Amphitheater

Check out Pompeii's ancient amphitheater, built around 70 BC and one of the best-preserved in the world. It was used for exciting sporting events and gladiator battles, and could hold up to 20,000 people. The seating was divided by class---prominent citizens sat in the front rows, the middle class in the middle, and the rest of the population up in the highest seats called the summa.

Praedia of Giulia Felice

At the Praedia of Giulia Felice, you can explore a large villa with beautiful gardens, elegant residential buildings, and relaxing thermal and stabian baths. Don't miss the stunning, lavish decorations in the living and public bath areas, including a dining hall and large swimming pool, that show the luxury of life in ancient Pompeii.

Popular Attractions Near Pompeii Ruins

Palatine Hill

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Pompeii Ruins, Palatine Hill is one of the oldest parts of ancient Rome, full of ruins from old palaces and gardens. When you visit, you can explore the remains of grand homes, detailed mosaics from the early empire, and enjoy views of the city below. It's a peaceful place to walk and learn about Roman history.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a famous ancient Roman temple known for its huge dome and beautiful design of golden cupids. When you visit, you can admire its amazing architecture and learn about its history as a place dedicated to public buildings and Roman gods. The Pantheon is in Rome, about 2 hours away from the Pompeii ruins by train, making it a great spot to visit if you're exploring the Roman world.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's most famous landmarks, known for its stunning Baroque design and beautiful sculptures. When you visit, you can toss a coin into the fountain to make a wish---a popular tradition that brings good luck. The Trevi Fountain is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive or train ride from the modern town of Pompeii, making it a great stop if you're exploring more of Italy.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car or around 2 hours by public transport from the Pompeii ruins, making it an easy and scenic getaway. Known for its cliffside villages and stunning sea views, you can visit charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, relax on sunny beaches, take a boat tour, or enjoy delicious local food and lemon treats.