Pompeii Map and Visitor Guide: Plan Your Route

Pompeii covers a very large archaeological area divided into nine districts, known as regiones. Downloading the official map before entering will help you locate the entrances, understand the layout of the ancient city and plan a realistic route based on the time available.

The official map also identifies visitor services and many of Pompeii’s most important houses, public buildings and archaeological areas.

Download the official map of Pompeii in English

Official Pompeii Map and Guide

The Archaeological Park provides two useful resources for visitors.

Download the official Pompeii map

The map shows:

  • the nine archaeological regiones;

  • the Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances;

  • the principal streets and visitor routes;

  • toilets, refreshment areas and other services;

  • major houses, monuments and public buildings;

  • suggested itineraries through different areas of the ancient city.

Download the official English guide to the Pompeii excavations

The guide contains historical introductions and descriptions of houses, temples, baths, theatres, streets and public buildings throughout the archaeological site.

The buildings open to visitors may change because of conservation work, maintenance or temporary closures. Check the current information published by the Archaeological Park shortly before your visit.

Consult the official Pompeii map and excavation guides

How Is Pompeii Organised?

The ancient city is divided into nine numbered areas:

  • Regio I;

  • Regio II;

  • Regio III;

  • Regio IV;

  • Regio V;

  • Regio VI;

  • Regio VII;

  • Regio VIII;

  • Regio IX.

Buildings inside Pompeii are often identified using the regio, insula and entrance number rather than a modern street address.

A building may therefore be identified by three numbers indicating:

  1. the district or regio;

  2. the city block or insula;

  3. the entrance number.

Understanding this system makes it easier to locate houses listed in guidebooks, maps and information panels.

The Three Entrances on the Map

Porta Marina

Porta Marina is located on the western side of the archaeological city, near the Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri Circumvesuviana station.

It is convenient for reaching:

  • the Forum;

  • the Basilica;

  • the Sanctuary of Apollo;

  • the western side of the ancient city.

Piazza Esedra

Piazza Esedra is close to the Antiquarium and Piazza Porta Marina Inferiore.

Many guided tours use meeting points in this area. Visitors should always check the exact address and check-in instructions printed on their booking voucher.

Piazza Anfiteatro

Piazza Anfiteatro is located on the eastern side of Pompeii and is convenient for:

  • the Amphitheatre;

  • the Large Palaestra;

  • Via dell’Abbondanza;

  • the Pompeii for All accessible itinerary.

Find out how to reach each Pompeii entrance

Suggested Routes on the Official Map

The official map proposes several connected paths through different areas of the archaeological city.

Eastern Pompeii

A route beginning near Piazza Anfiteatro can cover parts of Regiones I and II.

Important sites in this area include:

  • the Amphitheatre;

  • the Large Palaestra;

  • the Praedia of Julia Felix;

  • the House of Venus in the Shell;

  • the House of the Orchard;

  • the Fullery of Stephanus.

The Forum Area

The central route through Regiones VII and VIII includes some of Pompeii’s most important public buildings:

  • the Stabian Baths;

  • the Forum;

  • the Temple of Jupiter;

  • the Sanctuary of Apollo;

  • the Basilica;

  • the Antiquarium.

Northwestern Pompeii

Visitors can continue into Regio VI and towards the suburban area.

Sites in this part of the city include:

  • the House of the Vettii;

  • the Herculaneum Gate;

  • the necropolis outside Herculaneum Gate;

  • the route towards the Villa of the Mysteries.

The routes shown on the map are suggestions rather than fixed itineraries. Visitors can combine different sections according to their entrance, available time and the buildings open on the day.

What Can You See in Two Hours?

A two-hour independent visit should concentrate on a limited area rather than attempting to cross the entire archaeological city.

A practical introductory route from Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra may include:

  • the Forum;

  • the Basilica;

  • the Sanctuary of Apollo;

  • the Stabian Baths;

  • Via dell’Abbondanza;

  • one or two houses open on the day.

Visitors entering from Piazza Anfiteatro can begin with the Amphitheatre and continue west along Via dell’Abbondanza.

Allow enough time for uneven ancient paving, queues at popular buildings and the considerable distances between different areas.

What Can You See in Three or Four Hours?

With three or four hours, visitors can combine the Forum area with the eastern districts or continue towards Regio VI.

A longer itinerary may include:

  • the Forum and surrounding temples;

  • the theatres or other public buildings open on the day;

  • the Stabian Baths;

  • Via dell’Abbondanza;

  • the Amphitheatre;

  • the House of the Vettii or another major house;

  • the Antiquarium.

Do not plan your route exclusively around famous buildings. Individual houses may open later, close earlier or be temporarily inaccessible.

Check the buildings and houses currently open in Pompeii

Check Pompeii opening hours and last admission times

Accessible Map and Pompeii for All

Visitors with reduced mobility can follow the Pompeii for All itinerary, which begins at the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.

The accessible route extends for more than 3.5 kilometres and provides access to several important streets and buildings.

Pompeii remains an ancient archaeological site, so some sections may still include slopes, uneven paving, narrow passages and small changes in height.

Download the accessible map and read the Pompeii for All information

Map or Guided Tour?

The official map is essential for orientation, but it does not fully explain how the houses, temples, baths and public buildings were used.

A professional guide can:

  • select a practical route based on the available time;

  • adapt the itinerary to current openings;

  • explain Roman daily life and architecture;

  • connect individual monuments to the wider history of Pompeii;

  • reduce the time spent searching for buildings.

Visitors who prefer a guided experience can choose:

Pompeii guided group tour with admission included

A two-hour guided visit starting directly at Pompeii, with admission and headsets included.

Pompeii guided tour with transport from Naples

An organised half-day experience with roundtrip transport from central Naples.

Pompeii guided tour from Rome

A full-day excursion from Rome with transport, admission, a guided visit and lunch.

Compare all Pompeii guided tours

Before Entering Pompeii

Before your visit:

  • download the map and save it on your phone;

  • check which buildings are open;

  • identify your entrance or guided-tour meeting point;

  • choose a realistic route;

  • check the final admission and closing time;

  • wear suitable footwear for uneven paving;

  • remember that large bags and luggage are not permitted inside.

For ticket types, prices and booking conditions, consult the Pompeii ticket guide.

For additional practical questions, read the Pompeii FAQ.

Details

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