When we visited in March 2022, the baths and some other interior sites were not open to tourists. Was this because of COVID? Are they open now?
Posted by
500 posts
Oh I sure hope this is open in Pompeii this summer. We plan to visit. We did tour Herculeum his past May and no notice of closures because of Covid? We loved it! Always archeology work going on at these various sites. Maybe that’s why Pompeii areas closed. You were not informed why the closure?
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7966 posts
On any given day, museums (including the Met in New York City) close galleries because of a shortage of guards, sick leave, or budget cuts. In addition, Pompeii has massive conservation and repair tasks. You cannot be absolutely assured that this Villa or that one will be open. You just can't. It's not even helpful to know what was open in May if you are going in July.
On the plus side, we were startled and pleased to find the Villa of the Mysteries not only open, but deserted. Interior lighting problems, however. This is a legendary place, and I can't believe I got to see it. We also found important locations at Herculaneum closed for conservation.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you so much for your insight and information!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16654 posts
As Tim said, closures are not because of COVID but because of ongoing, often painstaking maintenance or archeological investigation/restoration. It's a very fragile site! Staff shortages can be another issue.
This might help? This is the official website for the scavi:
http://pompeiisites.org/en/
Scroll down to "Open buildings and their opening hours..." and click on "Read more" for what's currently open at the site + the visiting hours for each. This is what it currently shows from Nov 1 thru March 31:
http://pompeiisites.org/en/houses/
Just be aware that darn near anything could change at any time due to heavy weather, unexpected damage, dangerous instability of any of the structures, staffing issues, etc. Will cross fingers that you'll deal with fewer rather than more of those! There is a TON of info on the site, including a 142-page guide, so spend some time with it before you go. I'm including the link to the guide they've produced in English:
http://pompeiisites.org/wp-content/uploads/A-Guide-to-the-Pompeii-Excavations-2.pdf