Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata

The Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata are a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble of Roman sites near the Bay of Naples preserved by the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. They comprise large excavated urban areas, villas and associated finds that illustrate Roman life.

The extensive urban ruins of Pompeii, the well-preserved structures of Herculaneum, and suburban villas and sites around Torre Annunziata and Boscoreale. Together the sites present streets, public buildings, private houses and artefacts preserved under volcanic material.

Excavations began in the 18th century and continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, revealing large parts of the towns and numerous artifacts. Archaeological methods and conservation efforts have evolved over time, with ongoing work to stabilise structures and manage visitor impact.

The sites lie on the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, between the modern towns of Pompei and Ercolano and close to Torre Annunziata, roughly 20-30 kilometres southeast of Naples along the Bay of Naples.

• Preservation differences: Pompeii and Herculaneum differ in preservation - Pompeii shows street-level urban life over a wide area while Herculaneum preserved more organic material and wooden structures due to a different pattern of burial.
• Visiting advice: Start early in the day to see the largest excavated areas with fewer crowds; guided tours and onsite audio guides are widely available to explain the major streets and buildings.

What to See #

• Pompeii: Extensive remains of an ancient Roman city buried by the AD 79 eruption, including streets, houses, public baths, shops and plaster casts of victims; large areas are open to visitors for walking and guided tours.
• Herculaneum: An ancient Roman town that was buried by the same eruption but preserved in a different manner, notable for multi-storey buildings and well-preserved wooden elements and organic materials in some houses.
• Torre Annunziata and surrounding sites: Archaeological sites and villas in the Torre Annunziata area and nearby Boscoreale that include suburban villas and artifacts related to the eruption and regional life.