| Page Views: 3,894 Last Visit to Pompeii: November, 2007 | Frozen in time by toonsarah - last update: Nov 24, 2007 |
| Pompeii - the Basilica, with Vesuvius beyond |
Perhaps the first thing that struck me about Pompeii was its size. We’d already been to Herculaneum, and I knew Pompeii was bigger, but hadn’t realised quite how big it is. The ruins cover an area the size of a largish modern village, and to see everything properly would demand a full day, which we didn’t have. Rather than rush around madly, therefore, it’s best to choose some buildings that appeal and see those properly.
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| Temple of Apollo, Pompeii |
|  | As Pompeii was a larger and more substantial city than Herculaneum, it has more in the way of grand buildings such as temples, and these make a good place to start your explorations as they’re near the entrance and also command great views of Vesuvius beyond, making it easy to imagine your way back into history and the dreadful day in AD79 when the city was engulfed by pumice and ash. In addition there are grand villas and humble shops, extensive bath-house complexes, theatres and small restaurants – everything that the population would have needed for a comfortable existence in this busy town. A day spent here is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a past lifestyle that at times seems so very like the present.
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When their world ended … We were also fascinated, as I think every visitor must be, by the plaster casts of people trapped as they tried to flee. The peaceful Garden of the Fugitives, far enough away from the main entrance, is a good place in which to contemplate the horror of that day.
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We only spent a few hours exploring Pompeii, so we didn’t see everything. My tips are just a sample of what you can find here, based around the buildings and sights that most took my fancy. I’ve tried to mix facts about each, taken mainly from the free brochure, with my own impressions and why I liked each spot. | | | Plaster casts of victims, Garden of the Fugitives |
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| Pros: | "Fascinating glimpse of Roman life" | | Cons: | "Can be tiring, and busy in summer" |
toonsarah's Pompeii Travel Tips
 Comments for toonsarah about Pompeii | | | | |
volopolo Sat Dec 13, 2008 17:37 UTC
I love archeology! | LoriPori Mon Oct 27, 2008 12:52 UTC
Fascinating page on this fascinating, though tragic, city. The Garden of the Fugitives is particularly humbling. Enjoyed reading about Mount Vesuvius & that fateful day when it erupted. | sourbugger Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:55 UTC
great (and learned) corner of your site. I've never got around to writing a warning tip for this place - for the 1st century AD, must do it sometime ! | cinthya_in_victoria Mon Jun 16, 2008 22:51 UTC
This is one of my next destinations! Great photos. Hugs trom Mexico City =) |
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