In response to a sharp rise in tourist numbers, Pompeii will enforce a cap of 20,000 daily visitors, effective November 15. With nearly 4 million visitors in 2023, this limit aims to address conservation concerns while maintaining access to one of the world's best-preserved Roman sites.
Pompeii Sets Daily Visitor Cap at 20,000 Amid Surge in Tourism
Pompeii Sets Daily Visitor Cap at 20,000 Amid Surge in Tourism
The archaeological site of Pompeii will limit daily visitors to manage increasing foot traffic and preserve the historic site.
The Roman archaeological site of Pompeii will introduce a daily visitor limit of 20,000, starting November 15, in light of a significant increase in tourist numbers. Recent reports indicate that the site welcomed a staggering 36,000 visitors on a free-entry day, highlighting the growing popularity of the historic location.
Pompeii, famously buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is recognized as one of the most well-preserved Roman sites globally. As the park management noted, approximately four million people visited Pompeii in 2023, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers were already on the rise before the pandemic, and this year's figures suggest they have exceeded pre-COVID levels.
According to the park's data, October 2024 alone saw over 480,000 visitors, averaging around 15,500 a day, with May being particularly busy, recording about 517,000 tourists, or around 16,700 daily. The introduction of the 20,000 visitor cap is expected to only occasionally restrict entry, particularly during days with free admission or peak visitor days.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park's director, emphasized the significance of limiting visitors for the site's conservation and safety. While the eruption of Mount Vesuvius preserved the city under ash for over a millennium, a considerable portion of the site remains unexcavated and continues to draw archaeologists seeking to uncover more about daily life in ancient Rome. Recent discoveries include stunning frescoes of mythical figures, found in an intricately designed banqueting hall.
Entry to Pompeii is priced at €18 (approximately £14.90 or $19.30), contributing to its appeal as a leading destination for cultural tourism in Italy and beyond.
