In brief
Amid a record-breaking wave of tourists, Pompeii's management will implement a 20,000 daily visitor cap beginning November 15 to enhance conservation efforts and safety at the ancient site.
The renowned archaeological site of Pompeii, famously buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is set to impose a limit on daily visitors, capping the number at 20,000 starting November 15. This decision comes after the site experienced a staggering influx of tourists, peaking at 36,000 visitors on the first Sunday of October when admission was complimentary, according to local reports. Boasting some of the best-preserved ruins of the Roman world, Pompeii had approximately four million visitors in 2023, marking a one-third increase compared to the previous year. The resurgence in tourism was notable as visitor numbers have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. During October 2024 alone, more than 480,000 people explored the site, averaging around 15,500 daily, with May recording the highest footfall of about 517,000 visitors, or 16,700 each day.Despite the new cap, park officials indicated that tourists would only be turned away on rare occasions, primarily during free-entry days and possibly a few select paid admission days. The park's director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, emphasized that the decision aims to mitigate the adverse impact of high visitor numbers on the site, highlighting the importance of preservation.Pompeii remains a treasure trove for archaeologists, providing unparalleled insight into daily life in ancient Rome, with about a third of the site still unexcavated. Recent discoveries, including stunning frescoes depicting mythological figures, have further elevated its allure. Entry tickets to the historical site start at €18 (£14.90; $19.30).
