Pompeii Today — The Modern City & Archaeological Site
Pompeii in the 21st Century
Nearly two thousand years after its destruction, Pompeii remains one of the world's most important archaeological sites and one of Italy's most visited tourist attractions. But Pompeii today is not just a museum of the ancient past — it is a living, evolving place where new discoveries are made regularly and where the challenges of conservation and tourism intersect.
The Modern Town
The modern town of Pompei (population ~25,000) grew up in the 19th century around the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary (Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario), a major Catholic pilgrimage site founded in 1876. The town is distinct from the ancient archaeological site and serves as a base for the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Ongoing Excavations
About one-third of ancient Pompeii remains unexcavated. Modern archaeological campaigns continue to reveal stunning new finds. Recent discoveries include a remarkably preserved thermopolium (snack bar) uncovered in 2020, complete with intact food remains and colorful frescoes, and a ceremonial chariot found in 2021 near the Villa of the Mysteries.
The Great Pompeii Project
The Grande Progetto Pompei, launched in 2012 with over EUR105 million in EU and Italian government funding, has been the most significant intervention at the site in decades. The project has addressed critical conservation needs, stabilized structures at risk of collapse, improved drainage and water management, and reopened several previously closed areas to visitors.
Conservation Challenges
Maintaining an open-air archaeological site of 44 excavated hectares presents enormous challenges. Exposure to weather, vegetation growth, tourism wear, and the inherent fragility of 2,000-year-old structures require constant attention. The Italian government and international organizations continue to invest in conservation and research.
Explore
- Pictures of Pompeii — Visual gallery and photo descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pompeii like today?
Today, Pompeii is both a world-famous archaeological site receiving 4 million visitors per year and a modern Italian town (Pompei) of approximately 25,000 residents. The archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with active ongoing excavations and conservation work. New discoveries are made regularly.
Are excavations still happening at Pompeii?
Yes, new excavations and discoveries continue at Pompeii. The Great Pompeii Project (Grande Progetto Pompei), funded by the EU and Italian government with over EUR100 million, has stabilized at-risk structures and opened new areas. In 2020, a remarkable thermopolium with intact food and frescoes was uncovered.