Is Italian Pompei worth a visit?
Nov 19th, 1998 | 06:03 AM
#2
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I thought that Pompeii was very interesting. We toured the site on our own with a guide book. There is a lot that has been excavated and I believe they are still working on excavating more. You can see the remains of theatres, houses, brothels, streets and even remains of people that were buried in the ash. I think its worth the trip.
Nov 19th, 1998 | 07:54 AM
#3
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Definately worth the trip if you have any interest in ancient history or Rome. Sadly, Pompeii is neglected and some deteriation is detectable. It is still the best Ancient Roman site to be seen. Squeeze in nearby Herculaneum and the Archilogical museum in Naples (where the best mosaics from Pompeii reside) if possible.
Nov 19th, 1998 | 12:47 PM
#4
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Yes, it is. I just went on my second trip to Italy (first time I did Florence/Tuscany, Rome & Venice) and decided I needed to see some of the area below Rome on this trip specifically Pompeii & Amalfi Coast. Both were worth the trip. <BR> <BR>In addition, I truly would have liked to Herculeum and the Naples museum. Maybe next time (although I have heard the Dolomites are wonderful too). <BR>
Nov 19th, 1998 | 04:02 PM
#5
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Yes, definitely worth a visit. I suggest getting a tour with a guide who can explain things to you. Of course you can get a book and do it yourself but personally I'm not great at touring like that and there are some really enthusiastic and informed guides out there. You can probably have your hotel or a local tour office set it up. <BR>
Nov 19th, 1998 | 05:11 PM
#6
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Let's make it unanimous for a MUST SEE! What I consider critical of a visit to Pompeii however, is to get a good guide. It makes a world of difference. When my husband & visited, we weren't part of a tour, and we decided to hire a local guide. Usually local independent guides are positioned by the entrance. For two hours, this guy took us all over the place, explained in great detail about the history, construction, everyday life details, even areas/places that weren't open to groups, he knew all the guards and they will let us in! It was an amazing experience! Later on, we decided to hike the Vesuvius, and went up to the site. Great views of Sorrento and the Bay! It was a tough walk, though; uphill sandy terrain....If you are going to be so close to Pompeii, it'll be a shame if you don't give it at least a half-day!
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Nov 26th, 1998 | 04:08 AM
#12
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Dayna: If you only have four days to get around Rome, it is then an unavoidable fact that there will be amazing sights that you will not be able to get to. That may the case with Pompeii. Ostia Antica is an acceptable alternative if you definitely can not get to Pompeii (only 20-min ride from Rome). It is located on a nice spot (beaches) and very well labeled. Pompeii, however, has such an impact on a visitor, with the Vesuvius always in the background (you can see from every spot in the village!), and it is so well preserved! I definitely recommend that you make the time to see it, even if it means longer walking days around Rome. Spring is a wonderful time to be in Rome! Have a great time! <BR> <BR>P.S. Don't go to sleep upon arrival to Rome from the Airport; go straight to the sites!
Nov 30th, 1998 | 10:57 AM
#13
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Ostia Antica is an alternative to Pompeii or Herculaneum if you are very short on time. I have been to all three, and Ostia was interesting. It doesn't have the impact of the other two, because it was gradually abandoned as it's port silted up. So there aren't the castings of the bodies of the poor victims. Pompeii looks somehow more immediate than Ostia. If you have to time to go to Pompeii that would be better.
