We'll be on the Amalfi coast next week and planning a day-trip to Pompeii scavi. I recall reading somewhere that certain houses are locked and you need a reservation to see them. Has anyone done that? How do you do it and what do you suggest that we see that's locked?? Thanks!

did a day trip to pompeii about 4 yrs ago, we were able to see all the houses, walk in and out at will, did not see any 'locked houses' - absolute brilliant spectacle, could have spent longer.

I was in Pompeii in July 2005, and there were not any locked houses. Pompeii is a nice day trip.

traveltoitaly,

You may be referring to some of the structures that are under excavation/study/restoration. There are always some of those! On my last visit I did see several building in a row that were under scaffolding and closed.

Pompeii is a huge site with plenty to see. Even if you spend an entire day you won't see it all, so don't worry about the closed sections.

I was very happy using the audioguide on my second visit and spent 4.5 hours there before pooping out.

When you buy your tickets, also ask for a free ticket to the subterranian baths, rather recently excavated (and right at the Porto Marina main entrance). Amazing!

Buon viaggio!

Yes there are 4 but the Terme Suburbane (Suburban Baths) are closed for restoration.

This is 3yr old info but I'm sure it is still valid.

As soon as you enter thru the gate on the left there is an L-shaped building with booths.
(ATM, Info booth, W.C., ticket windows and a book/gift shop.

The Info Booth will give you a ticket for 1 of the Houses for a certain time, that is if they are still available.

I've booked the Suburban Baths that way but have missed-out on others by getting there too late .

You can also book online, the site is in Italian but I managed it when I booked a Villa of the Papyri thru them.
Although I recall I posted for info because I didn't know what the CAP field was for, it's a Zip or postal code.
Bottomline is all they really need is you email address to send you your conformation.

http://www.arethusa.net/w2d3/v3/view...contenuto.html
Your choices are;
Casa degli Amorini dorati (Flying Cupids)
Casa dell'Ara Massima
Casa del Menandro (Menander)
Terme Suburbane (Closed)

Google to see what 1 of the 3 Houses might interest you.

This site has pictures on all 3
http://www.pompeiiinpictures.com/pom...name_index.htm
Regards, Walter

Dayle, didn't refresh my page and didn't see your response.

As I said my walk-up info was 3yrs old, so can you now get these limited tickets at the ticket windows vs the Info Booth?

And yes the Baths were amazing.
Regards, Walter

Hi, traveltoitaly -
For my visit last May, I booked ahead, on-line, through the web-site that ParadiseLost listed. Take your confirmations with you, then, once on site, show them to the staff person nearest to the buildings you plan to see - s/he will let you in.
As I understand it, these are generally places where they want to limit access at any one time. As others have noted, some places will be closed for restoration or whatever, and those you will not be able to enter. Hope that helps!

Walter,

My reply was based on my visit of Sept 05. I'm sure their work is always changing!

It was my second visit and as I walked in, I realized the area to the left was something new that I didn't remember. It was roped and gated off, but I asked and was told about getting the "speical, free ticket" at the admissions booth. So - of course I walked back to get one. I was really glad I did. Amazing shell mosaics.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and poke around a little off the beaten path. You might make a discovery!

Thank you to all who responded--I especially enjoyed the link to look at the pictures of the houses in Pompeii!

Sue