Italy. Where pizzas melt in your mouth, operas pull at your heartstrings, and ancient tales are whispered from cobblestone streets. 

Dive into Pompeii, a once thriving Roman city frozen in a single, poignant moment. As Vesuvius unleashed its fury, its heartbeat was paused, only to be discovered centuries later. 

Hidden beneath a volcanic blanket, Pompeii emerged as an ageless storyteller. Each corner, fresco, and silent pathway paints a narrative of a time long gone. Are you laced up and ready to step into history’s footprints? 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Nando Pizzini Photography. Image Location: Pompeii, Italy.

Pompeii's history: your passport to the past 

Pompeii goes beyond being just a remnant of the past. It’s a snapshot into the daily hustle and bustle (minus the smartphones and FOMO) of ancient Romans before Mount Vesuvius decided to throw its infamous temper tantrum and erupt in A.D. 79. 

Read also: 30 must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

When was Pompeii discovered?

Pompeii was rediscovered in 1748, having been buried under ash since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While some remains were found in the late 16th century, major excavations began in the mid-18th century under Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre, revealing remarkably preserved buildings, artifacts, and even human remains, offering a unique glimpse into Roman life.

How was Pompeii preserved?

The volcanic materials, though devastating, acted as a preservation cover, leaving buildings, items, and even the poignant outlines of the city’s inhabitants for the world to see. From vivid frescoes to intricate mosaics, Pompeii showcases artistry that rivals any contemporary masterpiece and was a social hub and sophisticated center of vibrant activity including theaters, bathhouses, and bustling streets.

Facts about Pompeii 

  1. Wall talk. Before texting and tweets, Pompeians took to walls. Their graffiti dished out everything from love notes and jokes to the day’s hot gossip. 
  2. Roman grab-n-go. Welcome to the “thermopolium”. Imagine a bar-counter where ancient Romans picked up hot food, showing our shared love for fast food has centuries-old roots. 
  3. Plumbing prowess. Pompeii’s aqueducts and fountains weren’t just puddles and pipes; they were cutting-edge tech of the times. Modern plumbing, you’ve got competition. 
  4. Red-light revelations. The “Lupanar” was Pompeii’s premier brothel. With stone beds and vivid frescoes, it showcased a very, ahem, intimate side of Roman life. 
  5. Home décor goals. Pompeii’s homes sported frescoes that were the talk of the town. Mythical tales, daily life, and everything in between painted a vivid picture (in every sense). 
  6. Stride in style. Pompeii’s residents elevated fashion – quite literally. They strutted in “cothurni”, the platform shoes of yore. Who said height wasn’t in vogue back then? 
  7. Bathhouse buzz. There’s a public bathhouse that doubled as the social media hub of ancient Pompeii. From workouts to the latest chatter, these were the places to soak and speak. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, ​dbvirago. ​Image Location: Pompeii, Italy.

Navigating your way to Pompeii 

All set for Pompeii? Here’s the blueprint: 

Getting there: to get from Naples to Pompeii, begin at Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station. A swift 35-minute journey on the Circumvesuviana regional train — and you’re in the heart of antiquity. Getting from Rome to Pompeii by train means getting the train from Rome Termini train station to Naples first.

Your stop? Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station. From there, the mesmerizing ruins (and the official ticket office) are mere steps away. Be the early bird — avoid the rush and long queues by snagging your tickets online. After all, ancient ruins are best enjoyed at leisure. 

Why choose Trainline? 

  • Eco-conscious journey. Embrace adventures that respect Mother Earth. 
  • A feast for the eyes. The route from Naples to Pompeii offers views that’ll have your camera working overtime. 
  • Seamless travels. For those unfamiliar with European rail systems, Trainline offers an intuitive platform detailing routes, schedules, and a plethora of Pompeii facts and travel tips. 

Once the tales of Pompeii are woven into your travel memories, contemporary Italy awaits with more stories, flavors, and sights. With Trainline by your side and Italy’s vast rail network at your disposal, the chronicles of an entire country are yours to uncover. Adventure calls! 

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, tttuna. Image Location: Pompeii, Italy. 

Ready to book your tickets?