Thermopolium of Asellina
Step into an ancient Roman 'fast food' joint! See vibrant frescoes and imagine daily life at the well-preserved Thermopolium of Asellina.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Thermopolium of Asellina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into an ancient Roman 'fast food' joint! See vibrant frescoes and imagine daily life at the well-preserved Thermopolium of Asellina.
"A fascinating glimpse into ancient Pompeian dining culture with well-preserved frescoes."
📸 Capture the Frescoes
Don't miss the vibrant frescoes; they're incredibly well-preserved and tell a story.
🚶♂️ Imagine the Buzz
Picture this as a bustling 'fast food' spot for ancient Romans grabbing a meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Preserved Countertop
Main dining area
Admire the vibrant frescoes and intricate details on this ancient 'fast food' counter. A true window into Pompeii's culinary past.
Storage Vessels
Counter area
See the large embedded vessels (dolia) that held food and drinks, showcasing the efficient setup of this ancient eatery.
Fresco Depictions
Counter and walls
Marvel at the colorful murals depicting food and daily life, offering a vivid glimpse into the establishment's offerings and atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ancient Fast Food Insights
Daily Life in Pompeii
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Frescoes
Don't miss the vibrant frescoes; they're incredibly well-preserved and tell a story.
🚶♂️ Imagine the Buzz
Picture this as a bustling 'fast food' spot for ancient Romans grabbing a meal.
🧐 Look for Details
The countertop indentations are thought to be for currency detection!
🏛️ Explore Nearby
This site is part of a larger archaeological park; allow ample time to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Frescoes
Don't miss the vibrant frescoes; they're incredibly well-preserved and tell a story.
🚶♂️ Imagine the Buzz
Picture this as a bustling 'fast food' spot for ancient Romans grabbing a meal.
🧐 Look for Details
The countertop indentations are thought to be for currency detection!
🏛️ Explore Nearby
This site is part of a larger archaeological park; allow ample time to explore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Thermopolium of Asellina a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman dining, praising its well-preserved frescoes and the insight it offers into daily life. While some reviews humorously mention 'overcooked' food from 79 AD, the historical significance and visual appeal are consistently highlighted as major draws.
"The Thermopolium di Aselina is a fascinating glimpse into ancient Pompeian dining culture, featuring a well-preserved counter adorned with colorful frescoes. This lively establishment served ready-to-eat meals, offering a variety of dishes that catered to the bustling population of the city. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the murals, which depict scenes of culinary delights and everyday life. The layout, featuring large storage vessels, reveals the efficient and social atmosphere of this popular eatery. A visit to the Thermopolium di Aselina immerses you in the flavors and vibrancy of Pompeii’s dining scene, celebrating the communal spirit that thrived in this remarkable ancient city."
E Scott Parks
"Ate here in 79 AD while briefly stopping in town. I found some of the food to be a bit overcooked and ashen. My wife asked for her cappuccino to be extra hot, but it was as hot as Lava. I give it 5 stars for the blackened catfish though, best I've had in 40 leagues."
Mike Natale
"Looking across Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. Here you will also find the toilets as well as a smoking point."
Wayne Anderton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Thermopolium of Asellina is located within the archaeological site of Pompeii. You can reach Pompeii via the Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento. Once inside the site, follow the signs for the specific insula where the thermopolium is located. It's a well-marked attraction within the vast ruins.
Yes, Pompeii is a major tourist destination and is generally accessible. The main entrance is well-equipped, and pathways within the site are mostly clear, though some areas can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Consider downloading an offline map of Pompeii or renting an audio guide. The site is extensive, and having a plan helps you find specific locations like the Thermopolium of Asellina efficiently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to buy your Pompeii tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues. This ensures entry and saves valuable time for exploring.
Opening hours for Pompeii vary seasonally. Generally, it opens around 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 7 PM. Always check the official Pompeii archaeological park website for the most current hours before your visit.
No, the Thermopolium of Asellina is an attraction within the larger Pompeii archaeological site. You enter through one of the main gates of Pompeii and then navigate to its location within the ruins.
Yes, guided tours are widely available and can greatly enhance your understanding of the site, including places like the Thermopolium of Asellina. You can book them in advance or find licensed guides near the entrance.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can see the remarkably preserved counter with its colorful frescoes, the embedded storage vessels (dolia) for food and drinks, and imagine the bustling atmosphere of this ancient Roman eatery. +1
Yes, it is considered one of the best-preserved thermopolia in Pompeii, offering a vivid glimpse into Roman dining culture. The frescoes are particularly striking.
A thermopolium was essentially an ancient Roman 'fast food' establishment, serving ready-to-eat meals and drinks. They were common in cities like Pompeii, catering to those who didn't cook at home.
Yes, there are restrooms and some facilities available within the Pompeii archaeological park. It's advisable to locate them on a map upon entering.
Photography is generally allowed inside Pompeii for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the ancient artifacts and frescoes.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light that enhances the colors of the frescoes. Mornings can also be good with softer light and fewer people.
Focus on the details of the frescoes, the embedded dolia (storage jars), and the overall structure of the counter. Try to capture the sense of history and daily life.
While general photography is permitted, avoid using flash, especially on delicate frescoes, to prevent damage. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the context of the ruins. In lower light, increase your ISO or use a tripod if permitted and practical.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Make it a game to spot different food items in the frescoes or guess what was stored in the jars. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the Pompeii site involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Recommendation: Pair your visit with a guided tour that focuses on daily life in Pompeii to gain deeper context. Consider researching the specific archaeological findings related to this thermopolium beforehand to enhance your appreciation.
📸 Photographers
Focus: Capture close-ups of the fresco details, the embedded dolia, and wider shots that show the thermopolium within its archaeological context. Be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid flash photography to protect the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary World of Pompeii
The preserved counter at the Thermopolium of Asellina is a testament to its function. It features large, circular openings where dolia—large earthenware jars—were embedded. These jars would have held the food and drinks that were sold. The colorful frescoes adorning the counter are not just decorative; they likely advertised the types of food and beverages available, acting as an ancient menu. Some theories even suggest that the indentations on the countertop might have been used to detect ancient currency, adding another layer of intrigue to this fascinating site.
Visiting the Thermopolium of Asellina allows you to step back in time and visualize the social dynamics of ancient Pompeii. These establishments were not just places to eat but also important social hubs where people gathered, exchanged news, and conducted business. The vibrant atmosphere, the aromas of food, and the chatter of patrons would have filled these spaces, offering a lively contrast to the more private domestic sphere.
Archaeological Discoveries and Theories
One of the most intriguing aspects highlighted by social media creators is the potential function of the countertop indentations. While often speculated to be for currency detection, other theories suggest they might have been for resting serving vessels or even for decorative purposes. This ongoing debate underscores the nature of archaeological interpretation, where evidence can lead to multiple plausible explanations. The vibrant frescoes also provide invaluable data, offering clues about Roman art, mythology, and everyday life.
Studying sites like the Thermopolium of Asellina helps us piece together a more complete picture of Roman society. It moves beyond the grand temples and villas to reveal the more common aspects of life, such as where ordinary people ate and socialized. The preservation of such a mundane yet vital establishment provides a unique perspective on the economic and social fabric of ancient Pompeii.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit