The Archaeological Area of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata is the only place in the world that provides a complete picture of an ancient Roman city, comprising three archaeological areas: the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with the Villa of the Mysteries and the Villa of the Papyri, plus the Villa of Poppea and the Villa of Lucius Crassus Tertius in Torre Annunziata. These sites have been made increasingly accessible to the public since the mid-18th century. The excavations of Pompeii, covering 44 hectares, have revealed the ancient urban neighborhoods with their Roman villas, the main forum surrounded by large buildings such as the Capitolium, the Basilica and the temples, and several public baths, theatres, and an amphitheatre. The archaeological site offers an insight into, on the one hand, the pagan world, represented by what remains of one of the richest Roman cities and, on the other, the Christian spirituality that makes it a popular pilgrimage destination.

The excavations at Herculaneum have uncovered even better-preserved artifacts. Although many areas of the ancient city still lie buried under the modern town, there is plenty to explore through a network of 18th-century tunnels. A true open-air museum with commercial and residential buildings that seem crystallized in the distant past.

The two Roman villas in Torre Annunziata, Villa Oplontis (better known as Villa Poppea) and the Villa of Lucius Crassus Tertius, are valuable examples of suburban buildings near Pompeii. The first is a huge residence by the sea with magnificent murals, the other is a rustic dwelling with rooms dedicated to commercial activity. In short, you will be treated to an unparalleled and exceptional representation, still very much alive, of daily life in Roman times.