The renowned archaeological site of Pompeii is set to impose a daily visitor cap of 20,000 starting November 15, 2023. This decision follows a significant increase in tourist numbers, highlighted by a record-breaking 36,000 visitors on the first Sunday of October when admission was free. The site’s management aims to ensure the preservation and safety of this ancient treasure as it continues to attract more visitors than ever before.
In 2023, nearly four million people explored the ruins of Pompeii, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. This surge in interest is particularly notable as it surpasses pre-pandemic visitor levels.
The popularity of Pompeii is reflected in its October statistics, which recorded more than 480,000 visitors, averaging about 15,500 per day. May was the peak month so far this year with approximately 517,000 visitors, translating to an average of around 16,700 daily.
Despite the new cap on visitors, park officials believe that tourists will only be turned away on rare occasions. A representative indicated that the threshold was exceeded mostly during free entry days or a few paid days throughout the month.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the park, emphasized the importance of managing visitor numbers for both conservation and safety. The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried Pompeii under ash for over a millennium, preserving vast sections of this Roman city. However, about one-third of the site remains unexcavated and continues to be a focal point for archaeologists studying ancient Roman life.
Recent discoveries have unveiled stunning frescoes depicting Greek mythology in a banqueting hall adorned with dramatic black walls and intricate mosaic floors crafted from over one million tiles.
As tourism continues to rise at this historical landmark, ticket prices start at €18 (£14.90; $19.30), providing access to one of the best-preserved sites of its kind globally.
In conclusion, while Pompeii’s popularity brings challenges related to conservation and visitor management, it also highlights the enduring fascination with Roman history. As excavations continue and new findings emerge, Pompeii remains an invaluable resource for understanding ancient life—an attraction that promises to captivate future generations.
Pompeii Implements Daily Visitor Limit Amid Surge in Tourism In response to a significant increase in tourist numbers, the archaeological site of Pompeii will impose a daily cap of 20,000 visitors, starting from November 15.
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