Gladiators' Barracks Quadriporticus
Step back in time at Pompeii, a Roman city frozen by Vesuvius. Explore ancient streets, homes, and public spaces, offering an unparalleled glimpse int...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Gladiators' Barracks Quadriporticus
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Pompeii, a Roman city frozen by Vesuvius. Explore ancient streets, homes, and public spaces, offering an unparalleled glimpse into daily life.
"Pompeii is a ghost of a ghost, a breathtaking and unthinkable testament to history."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
Ancient cobblestones are no joke. Prioritize comfort for miles of walking.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Refill stations are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gladiators' Quadriporticus
North of the Large Theatre
Once a theater promenade, this grand square became a gladiator training ground. Imagine the roars of the crowd and the clash of steel.
The Blue Room
Region 9
Discover a rare, vivid blue hue preserved for 2,000 years, a testament to ancient artistry and lost pigments.
Brothel Frescoes
Near the Forum
See explicit frescoes that served as a 'menu' of services, offering a glimpse into Roman social norms.
The Last Day of Pompeii Painting
State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg)
While not in Pompeii itself, Karl Briullov's epic painting captures the city's tragic final moments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
Ancient cobblestones are no joke. Prioritize comfort for miles of walking.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Refill stations are available.
🗺️ Download an Offline Map
Pompeii is huge! An offline map is a lifesaver for navigation.
🎧 Consider a Guide
Enhance your visit with historical context. Audio guides or live tours are great.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
Ancient cobblestones are no joke. Prioritize comfort for miles of walking.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Refill stations are available.
🗺️ Download an Offline Map
Pompeii is huge! An offline map is a lifesaver for navigation.
🎧 Consider a Guide
Enhance your visit with historical context. Audio guides or live tours are great.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hats and sunscreen are essential as shade is limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the scale and preservation of Pompeii, finding it a breathtaking journey back in time. The ability to walk through ancient streets and see homes, shops, and public buildings offers an unparalleled historical experience. However, some find the sheer size overwhelming and wish for more time to explore, while others note that certain areas can be less well-maintained or lack extensive interpretation.
"You might not expect to find a theatre here, but once upon a time, actors performed, extras shouted, and popcorn might’ve flown from the balcony (okay, maybe olives). While no ancient blockbusters are screened anymore, the vibe’s still there. The Quadriporticus originally served as a promenade for theatre-goers during intermissions, later becoming a training ground for gladiators. And today? Mostly tourists unsure of what they’re photographing."
Michael Nae
"Everything about Pompeii was amazing, I just wish our cruise line excursion could’ve had us spending more time there. There’s approximately 150+ acres, 100 acres unearthed and we maybe saw 3-4 acres. Still beautiful and breathtaking and unthinkable nonetheless!"
Cherry McDish
"Semi-restored building that features rows of roofed colums arranged in a large square. Most of the columns are broken but the back part of the portico has been restored. It's ok, nothing to write home about, the best thing about this structure, and what makes it so popular, is that the public bathrooms are located here."
Bobby C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by taking the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Garibaldi station to the 'Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri' stop. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Many visitors also arrive via organized tours from Naples or Sorrento.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging and expensive. The A3 highway has an exit for Pompeii. Consider public transport for a less stressful experience.
Yes, it's a long day but doable. Take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii.
Pompeii is best explored on foot. The site is vast, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
No, there are no shuttle buses within the archaeological site itself. You'll need to walk to explore the ruins.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a standard adult ticket is typically around €18-€20. It's advisable to check the official Pompeii archaeological park website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, you can usually buy tickets at the entrance, but booking online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Generally, Pompeii opens around 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 7 PM. Always check the official website for the specific dates you plan to visit.
There is no strict dress code, but comfortable and modest clothing is recommended. Given the amount of walking and sun exposure, light, breathable fabrics are best.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and EU citizens under a certain age. Check the official website for eligibility and pricing details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pompeii is enormous, covering over 150 acres. To see the main highlights, allocate at least 4-6 hours. For a more in-depth exploration, a full day is recommended.
Key sites include the Forum, the Amphitheatre, the Baths, the Lupanar (brothel), the House of the Vettii, and the Quadriporticus. Don't miss the newly discovered areas like the Blue Room. +1
Yes, public restrooms are available within the archaeological site, often noted as being conveniently located near key areas like the Quadriporticus.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permits.
The Quadriporticus was originally a covered walkway for theatre-goers but later served as a training ground for gladiators. It's a significant part of the ancient city's infrastructure.
📸 📸 Photography
The Forum offers grand vistas, the Amphitheatre provides dramatic angles, and the Quadriporticus's colonnades create striking compositions. Look for details like frescoes and mosaics.
It can be challenging, especially at popular spots. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on weekdays can help minimize crowds for better photo opportunities.
A versatile camera, like a DSLR or mirrorless with a good zoom lens, is ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins.
Yes, drone photography is strictly prohibited within the archaeological park to protect the ancient structures and ensure visitor safety.
Look for the preserved frescoes, intricate mosaics, the haunting plaster casts of victims, and the architectural details of the ancient buildings. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a lot of walking and potential heat. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and ensure kids wear comfortable shoes. Consider a family-friendly guided tour that can keep younger attention spans engaged with stories and interactive elements.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Consider visiting areas that have recently been excavated, as these often reveal new insights and are less crowded. Engaging with detailed guidebooks or specialized tours can deepen your appreciation for the archaeological significance of the site.
📸 Photographers
To capture the best light and avoid crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to showcase the scale and atmosphere of the ruins. Remember to be respectful of the site and other visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gladiators' Barracks: From Promenade to Training Ground
Imagine the contrast: the elegant promenading of citizens replaced by the rigorous drills and martial exercises of gladiators. Today, while many of its columns are in ruins, the structure still evokes a sense of its past grandeur and its dual life. It's a powerful reminder of how ancient sites were adapted and utilized over time, reflecting the changing social and cultural dynamics of Pompeii.
Visitors can still walk through the remnants of this impressive square, picturing the athletes honing their skills. It’s a less-visited but historically significant area that adds another layer to the understanding of Pompeii's complex urban fabric.
Unearthing Pompeii's Secrets: New Discoveries
Beyond stunning colors, new evidence is also challenging long-held assumptions about the victims of Mount Vesuvius's eruption. Researchers are using advanced techniques to analyze skeletal remains, revealing more about the social status, health, and even the final moments of Pompeii's inhabitants. This ongoing work helps paint a more nuanced and human picture of the tragedy.
These discoveries underscore that Pompeii is not a static museum but a living archaeological site, constantly revealing new stories. The ongoing excavations and research ensure that our understanding of this ancient Roman city is always evolving.
The Social Fabric of Pompeii: Brothels and Graffiti
Complementing these visual records is the ubiquitous graffiti found throughout the city. Scratched into walls by ordinary citizens, this graffiti ranges from political slogans and advertisements to personal messages, jokes, and declarations of love or friendship. It offers an unfiltered voice from the past, revealing the everyday thoughts and interactions of Pompeii's people.
Together, the brothel frescoes and the graffiti paint a picture of a society where such expressions were commonplace, offering a raw and intimate connection to the lives lived here nearly two millennia ago.
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