In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the thriving Roman city of Pompeii under meters of volcanic ash and pumice. What was a catastrophe for its inhabitants became one of the greatest archaeological gifts in history — an entire city preserved in astonishing detail, from frescoed walls to loaves of bread left in ovens.
Rediscovered in 1748, Pompeii is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most visited attractions, drawing over 3 million visitors each year. Roughly two-thirds of the city has been excavated, with new discoveries still being made today.
Virtual Tours of Pompeii
🏛️ Pompeii on Google Arts & Culture
Browse high-resolution imagery and curated exhibits from the Pompeii archaeological park, including detailed views of frescoes, mosaics, and artifacts.
Explore the Collection →🗺️ Pompeii in Google Street View
Walk the ancient stone streets, peer into homes and shops, and experience the scale of this remarkably preserved Roman city in immersive 360°.
Walk the Streets →Areas to Explore
- The Forum — The political, religious, and commercial heart of the city, surrounded by temples and public buildings.
- House of the Faun — One of the largest and most lavish private homes in Pompeii, famous for its Alexander Mosaic depicting the Battle of Issus.
- Villa of the Mysteries — Home to a stunning series of frescoes depicting a mysterious Dionysiac initiation ritual.
- The Amphitheater — Built around 70 BC, it is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater and could seat 20,000 spectators.
- Plaster Casts — Haunting casts made by pouring plaster into voids left by victims' bodies in the hardened ash.
- Thermopolium — An ancient fast-food counter where ready-to-eat meals were served from terracotta jars set into a stone countertop, complete with preserved food residues and vivid painted decorations.
Quick Facts
- Destroyed: August 24, 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
- Rediscovered: 1748 under the reign of Charles III of Spain
- Excavated: Approximately two-thirds of the 170-acre site
- Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997
- Visitors: Over 3 million per year, making it one of Italy's top attractions
💡 Pro Tip
Use Google Street View to find the recently excavated thermopolium on Via dell'Abbondanza — the painted snack bar with images of animals that may have been on the menu. It was only fully uncovered in 2020 and gives an incredible glimpse into everyday Roman dining.
Enhance Your Virtual Visit
Recommended Gear for Virtual Travel
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Meta Quest 3S VR Headset
Walk the ancient streets of Pompeii in immersive VR and feel the scale of Roman architecture.
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"The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found" by Mary Beard
A vivid and authoritative account of daily life in Pompeii before and after the eruption.