When Mount Vesuvius erupted on October 24, AD 79, the city of Pompeii was blanketed in thick layers of ash, dust, and stone. Like a deadly snowfall, these hot materials slowly and irrevocably buried the streets, homes, and daily life of its inhabitants. While many fled, others remained—and just 18 hours after the eruption began, Pompeii vanished beneath the earth. For centuries, the city was lost to the world.
More than 1,500 years later, in 1748, engineers stumbled upon the ruins while constructing an aqueduct—and what they discovered exceeded all expectations. The volcanic ash had sealed off the city from the ravages of time: buildings, frescoes, household items—and even the imprints of human bodies—remained perfectly preserved. Bread was still on the tables, pottery lay scattered in the streets, and vibrant wall paintings adorned the interiors. Pompeii had been frozen in time.
The best way to explore Pompeii is on foot. Ditch the map, silence your phone, and get lost in the labyrinth of ancient streets. Around every corner, another detail tells a silent story.
The famous Pompeii red frescoes immediately catch the eye. This rich hue was created by roasting yellow ochre or using cinnabar—and in some cases, the heat from the eruption may have enhanced the red tones. These frescoes didn’t just decorate walls—they reflected the social status and taste of the home’s residents.
The Forum remains the busiest site in Pompeii today, just as it was in ancient times. This was the heart of civic, religious, and commercial life. Markets, ceremonies, and political meetings all took place here. Nearby, the remarkably well-preserved public baths reveal the ingenuity of Roman engineering: from hidden heating systems to changing rooms and plunge pools, they offer a glimpse into a sophisticated wellness culture.
The House of the Faun, Pompeii’s largest residence, is a world in itself. It’s famed for its intricate battle-scene mosaic and the iconic faun statue that greets visitors in the courtyard. Not far away is the city’s amphitheater, a vast oval arena that once echoed with the sounds of gladiator games. Adjacent to it lies the “Grand Palaestra,” a training ground with a swimming pool, used for sports and recreation.
One of the most visited sites? The Lupanar, Pompeii’s ancient brothel. Visitors queue to see the tiny stone rooms, stone beds, and erotic frescoes that once served as a menu for clients—a vivid reminder of everyday life in the Roman Empire.
Interestingly, Pompeii also had its version of fast food. These ancient thermopolia featured stone counters embedded with large pots that held hot, ready-to-eat meals. Paired with an advanced aqueduct system that supplied fresh water to homes and public spaces, Pompeii’s infrastructure remains a marvel of engineering.
This was my second visit to Pompeii—and once again, I was enchanted. Under the blazing summer sun, we found relief at the stone fountains lining the ancient roads, where ice-cold water still flows. Walking these streets felt like stepping into a time machine.
Pompeii is more than a history lesson—it’s a sensory, visual, and emotional journey. Just a short day trip from Naples, it’s a must-see for any traveler exploring the wonders of the world.