6-Hour Route from Piazza Anfiteatro
A roughly 6-hour loop starting and finishing at Piazza Anfiteatro, covering the grand houses, the theatre district, the Forum, Villa dei Misteri and the Porta Nocera Necropolis
Route map
Route stops
- 1Amphitheatre Plaza Entrance
Eastern entrance to the Pompeii Archaeological Park, with an official ticket office. It is the starting point of the accessible route "Pompeii for All".
- 2Pompeii Amphitheatre
The oldest known Roman stone amphitheatre, built between 80-70 BC and able to seat 20,000 spectators. It hosted gladiatorial combat and predates the Colosseum in Rome. What to see here includes the tiered seating and the arena floor where these dramatic contests once took place.
- 3Palestra Grande
This large rectangular building from the imperial period measures 141 by 107 metres and stands adjacent to the amphitheatre. Originally used for the physical and intellectual training of young people, it features colonnades on three sides and a central swimming pool. What to see here includes a permanent display of fossilised human remains, offering haunting insight into life in the final moments of the city. The Palestra Grande reopened to visitors in 2015.
- 4Predio of Julia Felix
The Predio of Julia Félix is a substantial private estate occupying half a city block in Pompeii. Built after the earthquake of AD 62, this complex features gardens, an atrium, summer dining room, bathing facilities, and commercial spaces that Julia Félix rented out. Among the earliest structures excavated in Pompeii, it showcases one of the most striking gardens at the archaeological site, offering visitors valuable insight into Roman domestic and commercial life.
- 5House of Venus in a Shell
This Roman house in Pompeya is distinguished by an exceptional fresco depicting Venus emerging from a giant seashell on the peristyle wall, accompanied by Mars and cherubs. The central garden with its fountain enhances the property's remarkable decorative scheme. The quality of the artistic detail throughout makes it one of the most impressive private residences to visit in the archaeological site.
- 6House of Octavius Quartio
This aristocratic villa in Pompeya features expansive terraced gardens and artificial waterways with cascades, modelled after grand Roman luxury villas. The interior walls are adorned with mythological murals and tributes to the goddess Isis. The villa's owner was identified through a gold ring discovered during excavations, offering a tangible link to its former inhabitants.
- 7House of the Orchard
House of the Floral Cubicles, with two bedrooms painted as orchards full of birds.
- 8House of the Ephebe
Regio I domus with open-air triclinium and the bronze lamp-bearing ephebe statue.
- 9House of Paquius Proculus
Home of the baker Paquius Proculus, famed for the chained-dog mosaic at its entrance.
- 10House of Menander
One of Pompeya's finest preserved homes, spanning approximately 1,800 m², believed to have belonged to Popea Sabina, wife of the Emperor Nero. The house impresses with its exceptional frescoes depicting scenes from Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, along with striking Nilotic landscapes. Within its walls lie a private thermal suite and a remarkable hoard of 118 silver objects, discovered during excavation. What to see here offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman domestic life and wealth during the 1st century AD.
- 11Fullonica of Stephanus
One of Pompeii's most significant and well-preserved fullonicae (laundries), converted from a residential property following the earthquake of 62 AD. Slaves treaded clothes in vats containing urine solution to clean them. The building retains its original clothes press. Part of the Gran Pompeya project, this working laundry offers insight into the city's daily commercial operations and industrial practices.
- 12Street of Abundance
Pompeya's main thoroughfare and most important street stretches for over 1 km through the ancient city. The original basalt paving, worn by countless cart wheels, remains largely intact, along with raised pavements and Roman pedestrian crossings. You'll see preserved fountains, electoral inscriptions painted on building facades, and the remains of tabernas and shops. This is what to see for a genuine sense of daily Roman life.
- 13Temple of Isis
Built in the 2nd century BC and dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, this temple was reconstructed after the earthquake of 62 AD. It stands as one of Pompeya's best-preserved temples, featuring Nilotic frescoes, an Ecclesasterion, Purgatorium, and an underground pool containing sacred waters from the Nile. The temple was visited by Mozart in 1770. What to see includes the intricate wall paintings and the distinctive underground chamber that once held the temple's sacred waters.
- 14Triangular Forum
This sacred triangular precinct dates to the 6th century BC and commands panoramic views across to the coast. It's home to Pompeya's oldest Doric temple, widely regarded as the city's most significant structure from its earliest period. The temple sits within a portico of Ionic columns and is accessible from the Vía dell'Abbondanza. Well worth visiting to understand Pompeya's archaic foundations and architectural heritage.
- 15Great Theatre of Pompeii
The Teatro Grande is a remarkably preserved Greco-Hellenistic theatre dating from the 2nd century BC, built directly into the natural hillside of Pompeya. Its marble seating tiers once accommodated 5,000 spectators, making it one of the finest examples of Roman theatre construction surviving today. The theatre continues to host cultural events, including the Pompeii Theatrum Mundi festival, allowing visitors to experience performances in this ancient venue much as audiences would have done nearly two millennia ago.
- 16Small Theatre (Odeon) of Pompeii
The Odeon is an intimate covered theatre built around 80 BC, located next to the Grand Theatre in Pompeya. Seating 1,000–1,500 spectators, it was Pompeya's most exclusive venue, hosting musical concerts, poetry recitations, philosophical debates and pantomime performances. What to see here is the theatre's impressive state of preservation and its exceptional acoustics, which remain remarkably effective even today.
- 17Quadriportico of the Theatres
This grand colonnade in Pompeii originally featured 74 Doric columns and served as a promenade where theatre-goers could stroll between performances. Following the earthquake of 62 AD, it was repurposed as a gladiators' barracks. Excavations uncovered weapons, gladiator skeletons and military equipment within the structure, providing valuable insights into the lives of these ancient combatants and the site's transformation after the seismic event.
- 18House of the Geometric Mosaics
One of Pompeii's largest domus, with geometric mosaic floors and views over the bay.
- 19Curia
The Curia at Pompeii housed the city's political administration and stood at the heart of the Forum, surrounded by other civic buildings that formed the administrative centre of this ancient Roman town. This building exemplifies the architectural layout typical of Roman municipal government during the 1st century AD.
- 20House of Championnet
Roman residence in Regio VIII, insula 2 of Pompeii, built on the southern city wall with privileged views of the Gulf of Naples. It owes its name to the French general Championnet during the first excavations at the end of the 18th century. Architecturally notable for its two-level system: upper floor with atrium, tablinum and peristyle hanging over a volcanic base; lower with a cryptoporticus and vaulted rooms. Preserves Fourth Style painting and mosaic floors.
- 21Basilica
The Basilica stands at the south-west corner of the Forum and is Pompeya's oldest and most significant public building. Built between 120 and 78 BC, it served dual purposes as both the seat of justice administration and the commercial heart of the city. Measuring 24 by 65 metres, it remains the finest example of pre-Roman architecture to visit in Pompeya and offers remarkable insight into the city's legal and commercial operations before the eruption of Vesuvius.
- 22Sanctuary of Apollo
The Sanctuary of Apollo ranks among Pompeya's oldest places of worship, with origins dating to the 6th century BC and a major redesign in the 2nd century BC. The sanctuary features a courtyard surrounded by 48 columns, a substantial altar bearing inscriptions, a sundial, and copies of sculptures depicting Apollo and Diana. It lies adjacent to the Forum, making it an essential what to see when visiting the archaeological site.
- 24Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of Jupiter dominates the northern edge of Pompeii's Forum, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Dedicated to the Capitoline Triad—Jupiter, Juno and Minerva—it remains the most impressive structure in the Forum precinct. The temple features Corinthian columns and houses several statues within. What to see here includes the temple's commanding position and its architectural details, which offer insights into Roman religious life and the town's civic importance before the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79.
- 25Macellum of Pompeii
The Macello di Pompeya is a second-century BC public food market situated at the north-east corner of the Forum. Its design centres on a columned courtyard with a fish-washing fountain and a central tholos. Retail shops line the perimeter, whilst the complex includes a meeting hall decorated with frescoes and a shrine housing imperial statues. What to see here offers genuine insight into Roman commerce and daily life at Pompeya.
- 26Temple of the Public Lares
The Temple of the Public Lares stands on the eastern side of Pompeii's Forum and served as a shrine to the Lares—Roman guardian deities believed to protect the entire community. Unlike the household Lares that watched over individual homes, these public counterparts represented civic protection. The temple occupies a rectangular footprint measuring approximately 18 by 20–21 metres and opens directly onto the Forum plaza, emphasising its public role and accessibility. It remains an important example of Pompeian religious architecture.
- 27Templo de Vespasiano
This small tetrastyle temple in the Forum was dedicated to imperial worship, also known as the Temple of the Genius Augusti. The highlight is its sculpted marble altar, which bears a sacrificial scene, complemented by lateral niches and decorative reliefs. What to see here are the finely worked marble elements that testify to Roman religious practice and imperial veneration in Pompeii.
- 28Building of Eumaquia
This imposing building on the Forum was commissioned by the priestess Eumaquia and served as the headquarters for the guild of dyers and fullers. It forms the eastern boundary of the Forum with a magnificent marble Portico of the Concordia Augusta, dedicated to the Concordia and Pietas Augusta. What to see here includes the fine architectural details and the historical significance of this well-preserved Roman structure, which offers insight into Pompeii's commercial and religious life before the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79.
- 29Forum Baths
Built in 80 BC and situated just north of the Forum, the Forum Baths are among Pompeii's best-preserved public bathing complexes. Separate sections for men and women showcase the sophistication of Roman bathing culture. What to see includes the elegant stucco decoration throughout, whilst the male caldarium and tepidarium are particularly noteworthy for their fine garden frescoes. The intricate architectural details and wall paintings offer genuine insight into daily Roman life before Vesuvius's eruption in AD 79.
- 30House of the Tragic Poet
Casa del Poeta Tragico is a renowned Roman house in Pompeya famous for its striking entrance mosaic depicting a guard dog with the inscription 'CAVE CANEM' – a warning clearly visible from the street. The interior features remarkable frescoes with theatrical scenes, episodes from the Iliad, and depictions of actors in rehearsal. What to see here offers genuine insight into both the artistic tastes and daily life of a wealthy Roman household frozen in time by Vesuvius.
- 31House of the Mysteries
Villa of the Mysteries is a substantial 2nd-century BC suburban residence in Pompeii, renowned for its exceptional frescoes in the Second Pompeian style. The paintings depict Dionysian initiation rites in remarkable detail. The villa was self-sufficient, producing its own wine, and comprises 90 rooms. A significant visit for anyone interested in Roman domestic life and artistic achievement.
- 32House of the Faun
One of Pompeii's largest and most opulent townhouses, spanning roughly 3,000 m², with origins dating to the 2nd century BC during the Samnite period. The Casa del Fauno is renowned for its bronze dancing faun statue and a copy of the celebrated Alexander Mosaic depicting the Battle of Issos. The residence occupies an entire city block and features two atria and two peristyles, offering what to see of considerable architectural grandeur and artistic merit from the Roman era.
- 33House of the Vettii
Often called the Sistine Chapel of Pompeya, the Casa de los Vetii is an opulent merchant's residence showcasing exceptional Roman Fourth Style murals. The most famous image—Priapus—is visible immediately upon entry. The house features a beautifully reconstructed garden complete with fountains and bronze statues. What to see here is both the elaborate interior frescoes and the carefully restored outdoor spaces, offering a vivid picture of wealthy Roman domestic life.
- 34House of the Golden Amorini
This 1st-century BC townhouse in Pompeya showcases elegant Roman domestic architecture at its finest. The residence features a peristyle-enclosed garden, mythological frescoes, and ornamental golden cupids that exemplify the refined taste of wealthy Pompeian families. The property has been open to the public since 2014, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the sophisticated interior design and artistic ambitions of the Roman elite. Well worth a visit to understand daily life among Pompeya's upper classes.
- 35House of Marcus Lucretius Fronto
The residence of Marco Lucrecio Frontón, a prominent Pompeian politician, showcases striking fourth-style murals depicting Bacchus in triumph, the romance of Venus and Mars, and a marble-fountained garden with a statue of Silenus. This aristocratic dwelling reveals the refined taste and wealth of its owner, offering insight into the lives of Pompeii's elite before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
- 36House of Syricus
Casa de Sírico is a well-preserved Roman house in Pompeya featuring striking frescoes depicting scenes from the Trojan War. The house contains two human casts and the haunting cast of a chained dog, both preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Electoral inscriptions remain visible on the façade, offering glimpses of daily life before the catastrophe. What to see here includes the detailed wall paintings and these poignant reminders of the moment the volcano struck.
- 37Stabian Baths
Pompeya's oldest bathhouse, dating from the 4th century BC and spanning over 3,500 m². The Termas Estabiana features separate wings for men and women, with the complete Roman bathing sequence: apodyterium (changing room), frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot bath). There's also a gymnasium and open-air swimming pool. It remains one of the best-preserved Roman thermal complexes in the world and offers valuable insight into daily life in the ancient city.
- 38Lupanar of Pompeii
Pompeya's only documented brothel is a two-storey structure containing ten rooms, each furnished with stone-built beds. The building is noted for its explicit erotic frescoes adorning the doorways and the hundreds of client inscriptions preserved on its walls—a remarkable record of daily life in Roman times.
- 39Street of Abundance
Pompeya's main thoroughfare and most important street stretches for over 1 km through the ancient city. The original basalt paving, worn by countless cart wheels, remains largely intact, along with raised pavements and Roman pedestrian crossings. You'll see preserved fountains, electoral inscriptions painted on building facades, and the remains of tabernas and shops. This is what to see for a genuine sense of daily Roman life.
- 40Garden of the Fugitives
An ancient vineyard where archaeologists uncovered 13 plaster casts of victims—adults and children—who perished whilst attempting to flee the eruption of Vesuvius. Among Pompeya's most poignant discoveries, these haunting remains are preserved behind glass, offering a sobering glimpse into the final moments of those caught in the catastrophe of 79 AD.
- 41Necropolis of Porta Nocera
Funerary road lined with mausolea, altars and stelae of freedmen and leading families.
- 42Amphitheatre Plaza Entrance
Eastern entrance to the Pompeii Archaeological Park, with an official ticket office. It is the starting point of the accessible route "Pompeii for All".
