Must-See Places in Pompeii — Top Sites & Landmarks Guide

The Must-See Sites of Pompeii

The archaeological site of Pompeii contains hundreds of buildings, from grand public structures to modest workshops. This guide highlights the most significant and best-preserved sites that every visitor should prioritize.

Explore Individual Sites

• Villa of the Mysteries — The masterpiece of Pompeian art
• House of the Faun — The city's grandest private residence
• The Forum — The heart of public life
• The Amphitheatre — The world's oldest stone amphitheatre
• The Lupanar — Pompeii's notorious brothel
• Temple of Apollo — An ancient sanctuary predating Roman rule
• Thermopolium — An ancient fast-food counter

Site Categories

Public Buildings

The Forum complex, temples, theatres, amphitheatre, and public baths represent the civic and religious life of the city. These buildings demonstrate Pompeii's importance as a Roman municipality.

Private Residences

From palatial domus to modest apartments, Pompeii's houses reveal the full spectrum of Roman domestic life. The finest houses contain elaborate frescoes, mosaics, and garden features.

Commercial Buildings

Shops, bakeries, thermopolia, and workshops illustrate the commercial vitality of the ancient city. Many retain their original stone counters, ovens, and even millstones.

Infrastructure

Streets, fountains, aqueducts, and the city walls demonstrate sophisticated Roman urban engineering. Pompeii's water system, paved streets, and drainage infrastructure were remarkably advanced.