Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Aug. 29th, 2015

Port Naples with Mt. Vesuvius

Naples is a gritty southern Italian city.  Riding its train to Pompeii reminded me a bit of New York subway. However, it has a lot to offer, from the city itself, Pompeii ruin, nearby Sorrento, jet-setting Island of Capri, and UNESCO heritage site Amalfi coast.  We had to narrow down to Pompeii and Naples’ National Archaeological Museum.

Pompeii’s main temple above, main drag below

A side street offering shade on this scorching day

House of Faun, the largest house in Pompeii, occupying a whole street block. The house’s frescoes and interior artifacts are on exhibit in Naples Museum.

One of several theaters

One of many street corner kitchens/eateries.

Roman Public Bath

At the time of its destruction in 79AD, Pompeii was already 700 years old, prosperous with a population about 20,000. Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption was not without warning. Most people had time to evacuate except for 2000 souls.

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We took the train back to Naples and rode the city metro to visit the archaeological museum.

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Jeannette in front of the famous Farness Bull sculpture

Ceiling fresco

Concluding a long and fruitful day, our ship sailed into sunset.