Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata

The Archaeological Area of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata is a unique place that allows visitors to relive daily life in ancient Rome, frozen in time since 79 AD. Situated near Naples in Campania, this site is often considered the most visited place globally. It has earned its place among the 58 Italian sites protected by UNESCO's World Heritage List. The archaeological area encompasses the commercial city of Pompeii, the better-preserved vacation town of Herculaneum, and the frescoes of Villa Oplontis in Torre Annunziata, offering insights into the opulent lifestyle during the early Roman Empire. Before their destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, we have a comprehensive understanding of the lives in Pompeii and Herculaneum. These cities of Oscan origin, after passing under the rule of various peoples, became a colony called Cornelia Veneria Pompeiana and a municipium, respectively.

Pompeii's reconstruction is remarkable, with many public buildings, baths, theaters, shops, and especially Roman villas, popular holiday destinations, largely preserved despite the earthquake of 62 AD. Ercolano also boasts well-preserved buildings, making it feel like an open-air museum where commercial and residential structures seem frozen in ancient times.

The Torre Annunziata site, originally known as Oplontis, is almost perfectly preserved, including the villa of Emperor Nero's second wife. The Archaeological Area of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata is the only place globally offering a complete picture of the ancient Roman city. It consists of three archaeological areas: the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with the Villa of the Mysteries and the Villa of the Papyri, along with the Villa of Poppea and the Villa of Lucius Crassus Tertius in Torre Annunziata.

These sites have gradually been opened to the public since the mid-18th century. The Pompeii excavations, covering 44 hectares, reveal the urban neighborhoods of the time with Roman villas, the main forum surrounded by grand structures like the Capitolium, the Basilica, temples, public baths, theaters, and an amphitheater. The site's dual nature is evident, representing both the pagan world with the remains of one of the wealthiest cities in the Roman Empire and the Christian spirituality that makes it a pilgrimage destination.

The Herculaneum excavations offer even better-preserved artifacts, despite many areas of the ancient city remaining buried under the modern town and being explored through an 18th-century tunnel network. It's like an outdoor museum with commercial and residential buildings frozen in time.

The two Roman Villas in Torre Annunziata, Villa Oplontis, known as Villa Poppea, and the Villa of Lucius Tertius Crassus, are valuable examples of suburban buildings near Pompeii. The former is a huge seaside residence with magnificent wall paintings, while the latter is a rustic dwelling with rooms and spaces dedicated to commercial activity. This unparalleled representation of daily life in Roman times deserves recognition for its exceptional universal value.
The archaeological area is so vast and filled with attractions that it's best to follow a specific itinerary to avoid missing anything. Are you ready to follow it?

Pompeii stops: The first destination in Pompeii is the Villa of the Mysteries, named after the room facing the sea with a large fresco on three walls, one of the best-preserved ancient paintings depicting a mysterious ritual. The second must-see is the House of the Faun, one of the largest residences in Pompeii, covering about 3000 square meters, providing a marvelous testament to its owner's wealth. Pilgrims passing through Pompeii should also visit the Sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary.

Herculaneum stops: Begin with the Villa of the Papyri, named for its library containing 1,800 papyri, some of which were preserved through mineralization. This extensive house features a long sea-view portico. Next, explore the House of the Deer in Herculaneum, a luxurious dwelling with a sea-view terrace that belonged to Q. Granius Verus, a newly freed citizen before the destruction.

Torre Annunziata stops: This city hosts the Oplonti excavations, which were once the outskirts of Pompeii. Here, you'll breathe the air of a country area rather than a proper urban fabric. These excavations include two villas, but only the Villa of Poppea Sabina, Nero's second wife, is currently open to visitors. It's a monumental residence, even featuring a small thermal complex and beautiful frescoes with fascinating perspective tricks.

To immerse yourself fully in the charm of these places and discover their secrets, consider a guided tour of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata. Being in the Vesuvius National Park area, and near Naples in general, also offers a culinary adventure you won't forget. Where to start?
In Pompeii, you can't go wrong with a plate of spaghetti with real clams, perhaps preceded by an appetizer of alici alla scapece—anchovies coated in flour, fried, and marinated primarily in vinegar.

You'll likely be delighted by the cianfotta of Herculaneum, a tasty dish of vegetables that bears a distant resemblance to ratatouille.
When you reach Torre Annunziata, don't miss the polpo alla luciana, octopus cooked in a casserole with tomatoes, garlic, Gaeta olives, and capers. As for ending on a high note, you don't need any recommendations: the sfogliatella riccia, composed of layers of crispy pastry filled with ricotta and candied fruit, requires no introduction.