In brief
Pompeii, the well-preserved ancient city buried by Mount Vesuvius, will implement a daily visitor limit to preserve the site and manage the growing influx of tourists, with nearly four million visitors recorded in 2023.
The renowned archaeological site of Pompeii, famously preserved under volcanic ash from the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, is set to impose a visitor limit of 20,000 per day beginning November 15. This decision comes after a dramatic increase in tourist numbers, highlighted by a record-breaking 36,000 visitors on the first free entry Sunday of October.Local media reports indicate that Pompeii welcomed approximately 4 million visitors in 2023, reflecting a 33% increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Data from the site shows that more than 480,000 tourists visited in October alone, averaging around 15,500 each day, with May being the busiest month, drawing in about 517,000 visitors.Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park's director, emphasized that managing the number of visitors is crucial for both conservation efforts and safety at the site. While the cap is expected to largely control visitor numbers, instances of tourists being turned away may only occur during particularly busy days, which in the past have typically coincided with free entry events.Pompeii remains a vital source of information for archaeologists, who continue to excavate the site, revealing significant artifacts and stunning frescos depicting mythical Greek figures. Ticket prices for entry to the ancient city start at €18, offering visitors a glimpse into Roman life preserved for centuries.
