📖 About Pompei

Pompei is an Italian town built adjacent to one of the world's most famous archaeological sites—the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. With approximately 25,000 residents, this modern town in the Campania region serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions annually.

The ancient city was preserved under volcanic ash for nearly 1,700 years before excavations began in 1748. Today visitors walk ancient streets, enter houses, shops, and public buildings, and see poignant plaster casts of victims. The modern town also hosts the important Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary. Pompei offers an unparalleled window into daily Roman life, frozen at the moment of catastrophe.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Pompei's economy is almost entirely tourism-driven—hotels, restaurants, guides, and souvenir shops serve millions of visitors to the archaeological site. The religious pilgrimage to the Sanctuary adds another tourist stream. Agriculture in the fertile volcanic soil produces San Marzano tomatoes and wine (Lacryma Christi). Services support the permanent population.

The culture is Neapolitan Italian—Italian is spoken with characteristic southern dialect. Catholicism is deeply rooted; the Sanctuary draws pilgrims. The culture combines tourism service with local traditions. Food is southern Italian—pizza, pasta, seafood, and local produce. The culture lives alongside extraordinary ancient heritage, making history a daily backdrop to modern life.

📜 History

Ancient Pompeii was founded in the 7th century BC, becoming a Roman colony. The city of about 11,000 thrived until August 24, 79 AD, when Vesuvius erupted. Volcanic material buried the city under meters of ash, preserving it remarkably.

Rediscovery came in 1748; systematic excavation revealed an intact Roman city. The modern town developed around the sanctuary (founded 1876) and archaeological tourism. UNESCO designated the site in 1997. Today Pompei welcomes millions annually—ancient tragedy transformed into humanity's most vivid connection to everyday Roman life.