Following a surge in visitors, Pompeii's management has decided to cap daily admissions to safeguard its archaeological treasures while balancing tourism interests.
Pompeii Implements Daily Visitor Limit to Preserve Historic Site
Pompeii Implements Daily Visitor Limit to Preserve Historic Site
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii will restrict daily tourist numbers to 20,000 starting November 15, 2023, amidst increasing foot traffic.
Tourism at the famous archaeological site of Pompeii is set to undergo significant changes, as park officials announced a cap on daily visitors to 20,000 starting November 15, 2023. This decision comes in response to an unprecedented increase in the number of guests, highlighted by a record 36,000 attendees recorded during the free-entry day on the first Sunday of October.
Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, has seen a considerable boost in tourism, with nearly four million visitors recorded over the course of 2023—a remarkable one-third increase compared to the previous year. Prior to the pandemic, visitor numbers had already been rising, and 2023 has continued this trend, surpassing pre-COVID figures.
The waters were particularly busy in October 2024, drawing more than 480,000 visitors, averaging about 15,500 each day. The volume peaked in May 2023, with over 517,000 visitors entering the site, averaging around 16,700 daily. However, according to the park's representatives, the 20,000 visitor limitation is expected to mainly affect days with free entry when attendance historically spikes.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii, emphasized that the objective is to mitigate the wear and tear from human traffic on the archaeological site to ensure its ongoing preservation and safety. A considerable portion of Pompeii remains buried, with about a third yet to be excavated, underscoring its crucial role in providing insights into ancient Roman life.
Recent discoveries made at Pompeii continue to capture the interest of archaeologists, with stunning artworks, including frescoes of Greek mythology, recently unveiled in excavated dining halls. Tickets to visit the ancient site currently start at €18, making this historical gem accessible to many while striving to protect its integrity for future generations.
