Pompeii

This ancient city, located near Naples in the Campania region, is one of the most intriguing cities in the world. The city, all its splendour and most of its residents were buried when the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. The ash came so fast that the entire city was preserved beneath it.

Since then, it has been a place of constant excavations and discoveries. The beauty of this magnificent city, one of the best places to visit in Italy, lies mainly in its archaeological sites that tell the story of the lost Roman people and their lives in a whiff of a few minutes. The still-preserved buildings look even more surreal due to them being surrounded by looming mountains that are known for their ‘moonland’ like surface including the grand Mount Vesuvius.

The Forum is a must-see, which was the main community square and the epicentre for all gathering and social events. You can see the still-standing stone columns, the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica, and the Triptolemus, a 2nd-century house. Head over to the Teatro Grande, an erstwhile 5000-seater amphitheatre that used to host gladiator fights. Stabian Baths, a must-see, are the largest community baths complete with a pool, changing rooms, and a Gladiator gymnasium.

One of the most surreal activities to do here is to see the casts of preserved bodies at the Horrea and Olitorium. These casts and their facial expression show how the people were caught unawares during the eruption. Take a stroll along the Street of Tombs to see these impressive structures, which served as burial spaces. Marvel at the beautiful & intricate paintings at the Villa of the Mysteries, which used to serve as a place for cult meetings.

Pompeii mainly has a Mediterranean climate with sweltering summers and pleasantly cool winters. The autumn months of October & November see a few drizzles.