Where to Go While in Pompeii

To fully explore the site of Pompeii would take hours and even days, but one of the best ways to see how a citizen of the Roman Empire lived would be to explore the artwork and architecture of the city. About two-thirds of the site is now excavated, and most buildings are open for public viewing. However, a little-known fact about the city is that the guards and caretakers of Pompeii are more than accommodating, if you want to see something all you need to do is ask (be firm if necessary), and they will unlock a building for you. Or, if you are feeling daring, you need simply step over a crumbled wall and walk in yourself. If you do decide to do this, however, it goes without saying that you should still be very careful not to touch or disturb anything in the building you are viewing; they are usually locked for a reason, and most times it is due to it being in an obscure location or to protect the building from further damage.

One important thing to consider is that bathrooms are hard to come by. You will want to stay hydrated, so bring your own water as their prices tend to be outrageous, but keep in mind that a bathroom may be far away from where your group will be going. In addition to this, make sure you wear good walking shoes when you visit. The site, although remarkably preserved, is in ruins; the roads and sidewalks are not always in good condition, and it is extremely easy to sprain an ankle while walking around. The key to getting around comfortably is to wear appropriate footwear.

Remember, since the site is in ruins, it is important to either stay with your group or keep a map with you (or both). One crumbling wall can look the same as the next, and it is easy to get lost if you're not paying attention.

Buildings and Sights of Interest:
1. Forum
6. Stabian Baths
7. House of the Cryptoporticus - Dancing Elephants fresco found here
9. House of the Menander
10. House of the Tragic Poet
11. House of the Marine Venus - Showalter Fountain at Indiana Univ. is modeled after a fresco found here
13. Amphitheater
16. House of the Silver Wedding - Oldest example of Second Style wall decoration
17. House of the Golden Cupids - VERY hard to get into but is a must-see; the only fresco in the ancient world showing work as pleasurable (cupids)
18. House of the Vettii - Famous frescoes and gardens found here
19. House of the Faun - The largest villa in Pompeii; it takes up an entire city block!
21. House of Sallust

From an art standpoint, make sure to notice the different styles of wall decorations known as the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Style (as can be distinguished here: http://www.pompeii.org.uk/s.php/escursione-la-pittura-parietale-a-pompei-scavi-di-pompei-it-222-s.htm). Much of what was found in Pompeii has been left in situ, or as it was found, and there are some very exciting examples of ancient frescoes, mosaics, furniture, and statuary. Botanists have even studied root casts of plants so that they could re-plant the species of flora that grew in ancient times. If you are lucky, you may even be able to see an example of the water works a garden featured. As stated before, if something interests you, ASK! You never know what you might experience that otherwise may have been overlooked.