The famous archaeological site has faced unprecedented crowds, with nearly four million visitors recorded in 2023, prompting the management to take action.
Pompeii Sets Daily Visitor Limit to Curb Overcrowding
Pompeii Sets Daily Visitor Limit to Curb Overcrowding
Pompeii will cap daily tourist admissions at 20,000 to enhance conservation efforts and visitor experience.
With a remarkable rise in tourism, the Roman archaeological site of Pompeii has announced a new measure to address overcrowding, setting a daily limit of 20,000 visitors starting from November 15. This decision comes in response to an overwhelming surge in attendance, particularly highlighted by a record influx of 36,000 visitors on one free-entry Sunday in October, as per local media reports.
Pompeii, known for its incredible preservation following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, has seen visitor numbers soar, with around four million people exploring its ruins in 2023—a significant one-third increase from the previous year. In fact, more than 480,000 tourists visited the site in October alone, averaging about 15,500 per day. May was noted as the pinnacle month this year, witnessing around 517,000 visitors, equating to approximately 16,700 daily.
A representative of Pompeii's management noted that the 20,000 cap would typically not cause visitors to be turned away, as historical data indicates that this figure was only surpassed during free entry days and a few selected fee-based occasions.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park’s director, emphasized that limiting visitor numbers was crucial for both conservation and safety. He pointed out that despite the city’s preservation, only about one-third of the entire archaeological site has been unearthed, making it a continuing focus for archaeologists. Recent discoveries include captivating frescoes of Greek mythology found in a banqueting hall, showcasing the artistic brilliance of the time.
Ticket prices for Pompeii start at €18 (£14.90; $19.30), making it an accessible destination for many. As tourism trends continue to shift post-pandemic, the management's proactive measures aspire to protect this historical gem while ensuring that it remains open for future generations to explore.
Pompeii, known for its incredible preservation following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, has seen visitor numbers soar, with around four million people exploring its ruins in 2023—a significant one-third increase from the previous year. In fact, more than 480,000 tourists visited the site in October alone, averaging about 15,500 per day. May was noted as the pinnacle month this year, witnessing around 517,000 visitors, equating to approximately 16,700 daily.
A representative of Pompeii's management noted that the 20,000 cap would typically not cause visitors to be turned away, as historical data indicates that this figure was only surpassed during free entry days and a few selected fee-based occasions.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park’s director, emphasized that limiting visitor numbers was crucial for both conservation and safety. He pointed out that despite the city’s preservation, only about one-third of the entire archaeological site has been unearthed, making it a continuing focus for archaeologists. Recent discoveries include captivating frescoes of Greek mythology found in a banqueting hall, showcasing the artistic brilliance of the time.
Ticket prices for Pompeii start at €18 (£14.90; $19.30), making it an accessible destination for many. As tourism trends continue to shift post-pandemic, the management's proactive measures aspire to protect this historical gem while ensuring that it remains open for future generations to explore.
