Pompeii and Herculaneum: Two Ancient Cities Frozen in Time Is a trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum on your bucket list? Should you visit both? Is one better than the other? What’s the difference between these two archaeological sites in Italy? Debi Lander, a travel writer from ByLanderSea, recently explored these famous ruins in southern Italy. Her experience offers valuable insights into what makes Pompeii and Herculaneum unique destinations for tourists. Pompeii, the most well-known of the two cities, was a thriving Roman town located near the Bay of Naples. With a population of around 20,000 residents, it prospered as a hub of commerce with bustling streets, colorful markets, and buildings featuring exquisite art. Contrary to common belief, Pompeii was not destroyed by lava but by a deadly combination of ash, gases, and debris. On August 24, 79 AD, an explosion equivalent to 500 atomic bombs erupted from Mount Vesuvius, burying the city under a thick layer of pumice and ash. The gas killed many, while pyroclastic flows—fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter—began to race down the slopes of the mountain. The combination of these natural disasters led to the tragic fate of Pompeii’s residents. Some sought refuge in their homes but became entombed under the accumulating ash, while others were trapped in a deadly storm of volcanic material. Despite the devastating impact of the eruption, many of Pompeii's buildings and artifacts have been remarkably preserved. The excavations began in 1748, and today, visitors can walk through streets lined with stepping stones, explore ancient shops, and marvel at stunning frescoes that adorned the walls. A guided tour is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit. With over 170 acres to cover, no one can see everything in one day. Choose a tour that meets your physical and factual needs. My short two-hour tour began outside the ancient theater, where we noticed how the roads were intentionally designed lower than the sidewalks to avoid water runoff and sewage. At various points, stepping stones cross the roads for pedestrian traffic. White marble pebbles were embedded to help light the street at night. We stopped for our guide to discuss the various shops and what she called "fast-food restaurants" near the theater, where food from storefronts along the streets was sold in large vases or containers. The brothels with erotic art have become a must-see sight for tourists, and I was fascinated to peek at the original artwork hidden in the Archaeological Museum in Naples. We also visited the baths, which were equally fascinating. The wealthy had private bathing facilities, but our group toured the public baths, which resembled a spa with various changing areas and pools featuring different temperatures. Bathing was an essential part of daily life for Romans, and you’ll find several bath complexes throughout the city. One of the most famous statues found in Pompeii is the bronze Dancing Faun statue, discovered in what became known as the House of the Faun. It's one of the largest and most luxurious residences in the city, representing a faun, a mythical creature associated with nature and fertility. The Forum Square acted as the main public area, housing a basilica, temples, statues, and other public buildings. The Basilica was a large rectangular building used as a courthouse and place for business transactions, not a church. Though the roof and much of the walls are gone, the pillars and columns remain. The Macellum, or marketplace, is another notable area to explore, featuring several ancient shops and food stalls. Don't miss the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of this historic site. After exploring Pompeii, I headed to Herculaneum, a smaller but equally fascinating city located on the coast near Naples. With a population of around 16,000 residents, it was a favorite summer retreat for the wealthy and intellectual elite. Herculaneum's rapid burial by volcanic mud preserved many delicate household items that would have decayed in Pompeii. These include furniture, wooden objects, and other items that reveal everyday life in Roman homes. The Villa of the Papyri is a grand villa belonging to a wealthy Roman, possibly Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. The villa contained an extraordinary collection of Greek and Latin scrolls, suggesting that someone with intellectual interests owned it. Many of Herculaneum's frescoes are considered masterpieces of Roman art, offering a glimpse into the styles and themes that decorated Roman homes. The beautiful mosaics on the walls in some of the houses add to the charm of this ancient city. The Antiquarium of Herculaneum is a small museum providing a wonderful look at the lives of Herculaneum's inhabitants. The museum focuses on artifacts associated with daily life and contains well-preserved tools and utensils, including kitchen implements, lamps, and decorative objects. One of Herculaneum’s unique aspects is the preservation of organic matter, including food. Several carbonized loaves of bread, grains, and fruits were found in the kitchens and bakeries, now on display in the museum. In recent years, the museum introduced multimedia exhibits and interactive displays to help visitors understand the history and archaeology. Digital reconstructions of the city allow visitors to visualize what Herculaneum looked like before the eruption and how its citizens lived. The preservation of Pompeii and Herculaneum offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life, with buildings, artifacts, and human bodies found in the wreckage. I’d encourage a tour at both sites as they are different and both very worthwhile. Before concluding our visit to these ancient cities, we headed to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli), which houses many priceless treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The museum brings those two cities back to life, offering an unparalleled experience for tourists. On the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, in the heart of Vesuvius National Park, I found the vineyards of Tenuta Sorrentino. This 300-year-old, fifth-generation family business offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts, surrounded by the beauty and magic of the volcanic land. The visit began with a tour around the flourishing grape vines, explaining the harvest and creative process needed to produce the famous Lacryma Christi Wine. Expert sommeliers lead the tastings at Tenuta Sorrentino, which are a lovely sensory experience. I savored a selection of award-winning wines while Mount Vesuvius watched over me, and enjoyed delightful local snacks. The quality of the experience far surpassed what I was expecting. This winery is not a tacky tourist attraction but the real thing. I seriously enjoyed it and recommend the place.
