With an impressive increase in visitor numbers reaching up to 36,000, Pompeii's management has announced a daily cap to mitigate environmental impacts and preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site, crucial for archaeological research and conservation.
Pompeii Sets Daily Visitor Limit to Preserve Heritage
Pompeii Sets Daily Visitor Limit to Preserve Heritage
The iconic archaeological site of Pompeii will cap daily visitor numbers at 20,000 to safeguard its historical integrity following an influx of tourists.
In a bid to conserve its rich heritage while tackling growing visitor numbers, the Roman archaeological site of Pompeii has decided to implement a daily visitor cap of 20,000 starting November 15. The decision comes in response to a significant surge in tourism, highlighted by a record attendance of 36,000 visitors on a free entry day in early October.
Renowned for its well-preserved ruins, which showcase life before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii attracted nearly four million visitors in 2023 alone—an increase of one-third compared to the previous year. The site is regarded as one of the finest examples of Roman historical contexts, and this upward trend in visitor numbers has reignited discussions about its preservation.
Between October 2023 and October 2024, visitor statistics surged, culminating in a particularly busy May where 517,000 tourists flocked to the site, marking an average of roughly 16,700 daily visitors. The introduction of the cap is anticipated to prevent overcrowding, albeit it is likely that only a few peak days will require turning visitors away.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Pompeii’s director, emphasized that the aim is to mitigate the impact of human activity on the site, thereby ensuring its safety and conservation. A substantial portion of Pompeii remains unexcavated, continuously piquing the interest of archaeologists and historians. The site is a treasure trove of artifacts, including recently uncovered frescoes depicting Greek mythology—further underscoring its value as a window into ancient Roman life.
Ticket prices for accessing this iconic site start at €18 (£14.90; $19.30), allowing visitors the chance to explore a unique chapter in history while contributing to its conservation efforts.
