Located at the foot of mount Vesuvius, Pompeii represents one pf the most popular  archaeological sites in the world, and also acts as a great religious attraction. Besides the well- known sites, which hold finds of the buried city, there is the sanctuary of Madonna del Rosario,  witch recalls groups of pilgrims from Italy and the rest of the world.

THINGS NOT TO MISS

The Archeological Sites:A visit to the dig site is an unforgettable experience,  it’s just like going 2000 years back in the past. This unique place allows the visitors to experience the real daily life of the original inhabitants. All activities turned around the forum, a long and slim open space surrounded by the ruins of what would have been some of the town’s most important official buildings: a basilica,  temples to Apollo and Jupiter, the baths, and  the open market where people sold and bought their goods. The numerous artisan shops scattered all around the town testify a real devotion to commerce, but at the negotia these people alternated otium or opium, and took part as well in a lot of other entertainments. They often attended the Teatro Grande (Great Theater) which could sit about 5,000 people, the Teatro Piccolo, whose stands could seat about 1,000, and the Anfiteatro or arena where about 12.000 people could watch the gladiators fight. The citizens of Pompeii had refined taste for art and architecture, and in this city are testimonies to the numerous homes of the wealthy: the Casa dei Vettii, di Menandro, del Fauno and Villa dei Misteri are rich of fine examples Roman art. An interesting opportunity one shouldn’t miss is Pompeii by night. The itinerary starts at the Terme Suburbane (baths) just outside Porta Marina, leads through the houses, the orchards, gardens, fountains and narrow streets overlooking Via Marina and ends up at the Tempio di Apollo (Temple to Apollo). The visit takes about 56 minutes. Booking is by internet only at www.arethusa .net. For more info, call: 0818575111

Antiquarium. Destroyed by bomb raids in 1943, it was rebuilt and follows the most important phases of the history of Pompeii. There is a section devoted to the town in pre-samnite times, which collects the oldest examples of Oscan civilization in the Valle del Sarno area. Other sections are dedicated to the iconography and old Roman Pompeii with finds illustrating the economic and commercial life of the town, working tools, and workshop materials.

Santuario (Sanctuary). Built in 1876 according to the wishes of Bartolo Longo, the sanctuary represents an important religious centre. Inside it is rich with marble, frescoes and mosaics. It is in the shape of a Latin cross, with three aisles dominated by a grand dome 57m. high. On the main altar, from the1600′s, we find the shroud of the Madonna di Pompei, enriched with gems and a bronze frame. At the top of the Santuario overlooking the piazza, there is a statue of the Virgin del Rosario, carved from a single block of Carrara marble. Also important is the bell tower about 80m. high, which, thanks to the elevator, it is possible to reach the top and enjoy a nice view of the entire gulf of Naples.

FROM SORRENTO TO POMPEII

By car: follow the SS 145 towards Naples, then the A3 in the same direction, exit in Pompeii.

By train: take the Circumvesuviana train to Naples and get off at Pompeii-Villa dei Misteri

USEFUL INFORMATION AND NUMBERS

Police: phone 0818506164/ 0818614098

Taxi: 0818632686/ 0815367852 / 0818503199

Post office: via Sacro Cuore 32 / via Sacra 3 / Piazza Esedra 1

Tourist office: via sacra 1 081 8507255