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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,247 reviews
Excellent
910
Very good
287
Average
45
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Diviva
Singapore, Singapore3,859 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
The roman forum is a great historical site, usually entrance is purchased together with the ticket to the Colosseum. We had a tour guide bringing us around and explaining the significance of the more important site. Highly recommend to visit with a guide.
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brun066
Florence, Italy12,264 contributions
Oct 2022
In comparison with the other parts of Pompeii, which by their houses and villas present plenty of intimate details little or no preserved in the other Roman ruins, the square of the Forum may appear less "unique".
In fact some cities - say - of Roman Africa, not affected by eruptions and moreover well preserved by the dry climate of the desert, such as Leptis Magna or Sabratha, have some public buildings almost intact in their fundamental structures, better preserved than those of the forum of Pompeii.
Furthermore, if it's true that after the eruption the site of Pompeii was completely abandoned for centuries, it's also true that the area of the forum was the target of excavations in the decades following 79 AD, with the aim of stealing the statues of bronze adorning the forum and other useful or precious entities (the excavations of this area, undertaken starting from 1812, have given evidence of this stealing).
Again: as is known, the thickness of the volcanic ash fallen in 79 AD was around five metres. Everything that exceeded this height has remained exposed for two millennia to the attention of men and to the aggression of atmospheric agents; and this happened in particular in the area of the Forum, which housed the most majestic and therefore tallest buildings.
However, despite everything, the greatness and wealth of Pompeii shine through here in the highest degree. Reflect on the dimensions of the Forum in its building-free area (143 x 38 mts); on the quantity and prestige of the buildings that surrounded it (Basilica, Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Apollo, Macellum, Sanctuary of the public Lares, Temple of Vespasian, Office of weights and measures, Baths, Building of Eumachia); on the livability of this large space as a pedestrian area. Everything conspires then to make the Forum a splendid representative area of a splendid city.
In fact some cities - say - of Roman Africa, not affected by eruptions and moreover well preserved by the dry climate of the desert, such as Leptis Magna or Sabratha, have some public buildings almost intact in their fundamental structures, better preserved than those of the forum of Pompeii.
Furthermore, if it's true that after the eruption the site of Pompeii was completely abandoned for centuries, it's also true that the area of the forum was the target of excavations in the decades following 79 AD, with the aim of stealing the statues of bronze adorning the forum and other useful or precious entities (the excavations of this area, undertaken starting from 1812, have given evidence of this stealing).
Again: as is known, the thickness of the volcanic ash fallen in 79 AD was around five metres. Everything that exceeded this height has remained exposed for two millennia to the attention of men and to the aggression of atmospheric agents; and this happened in particular in the area of the Forum, which housed the most majestic and therefore tallest buildings.
However, despite everything, the greatness and wealth of Pompeii shine through here in the highest degree. Reflect on the dimensions of the Forum in its building-free area (143 x 38 mts); on the quantity and prestige of the buildings that surrounded it (Basilica, Temple of Jupiter, Temple of Apollo, Macellum, Sanctuary of the public Lares, Temple of Vespasian, Office of weights and measures, Baths, Building of Eumachia); on the livability of this large space as a pedestrian area. Everything conspires then to make the Forum a splendid representative area of a splendid city.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert P N
Los Angeles, CA2,414 contributions
Jul 2022
The forum was where the people went for gatherings, meetings, announcements and more. No horses were allowed, only on foot. Have fun, walk around and imagine you are walking where the Romans, Greeks, French, etc walked before you.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stellan D
Bromma, Sweden583 contributions
Apr 2022
Here you find several temples at this large square in central Pompeii. You can imagine the amount of people who could gathere here.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KDJERO
Saint Charles, MO755 contributions
Jul 2021
Got some great pictures here of the ruins with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. Just a hint of what this place would have looked like back at its height.
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan V
Sofia, Bulgaria6,301 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Part of the Pompeii architectural park, fully depicting the public life in a Roman city with exposition to Vesuvio, that burried it, but kept it preserved. An open-air museum that must be seen in a life time
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seeking True Quality
Europe3,130 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a very large, spacious and harmonious Forum, even today when we can only see the ruins. We really enjoyed being on that spot. The remains of the colonnade around the Forum are especially inspiring, particularly where an additional upper row of columns is positioned above the first one.
In the northern part of this large rectangular space is the Temple of Jupiter, with the Honorary Arches. On the left western side is the Basilica, the Temple of Apollo and a storage area on the former Granary Market.
On the right is the beautiful Macellum, the Temple of Vespasian and the Building of Eumachia. The southern part is dominated by a bronze Centaurus, a sculpture made in XXI. century by a contemporary Polish artist, Igor Mitoraj.
In the northern part of this large rectangular space is the Temple of Jupiter, with the Honorary Arches. On the left western side is the Basilica, the Temple of Apollo and a storage area on the former Granary Market.
On the right is the beautiful Macellum, the Temple of Vespasian and the Building of Eumachia. The southern part is dominated by a bronze Centaurus, a sculpture made in XXI. century by a contemporary Polish artist, Igor Mitoraj.
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce B
Phoenix, AZ196 contributions
May 2019
Start by researching before you go as there are a lot of cons going on as you walk up. Whether you do a self tour or a guided tour, be prepared to walk - a lot! Very cool to imagine how the Romans lived right before their town got frozen in time.
Written 27 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wynn R
Morgan Hill, CA1,929 contributions
May 2019
One of the most intact of the free standing buildings at Pompeii, this plaza is the open meeting place for this ancient city and a must see part of any tour
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin H
Minneapolis, MN621 contributions
Jun 2019
Pompeii is a site to see, the ruins are stunning! But be warned, it gets hot and there is absolutely no shade so pace yourself.
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rajvs
Chennai (Madras), India186 contributions
Hi,
I am reaching Rome evening 6:30 pm local time. While travelling from Airport to hotel, thinking of going via the historic sites - so that i can take colorful pics... any idea for the local cabs or any package for the same? I have seen the evening tour, but they start by 3:00 pm local time.
regards,
Rajavel
tangi1
Elizabeth, NJ808 contributions
You did not mention the time of year for your travel. In the fall and winter months the sun sets 4:30-5:30pm. It's not until late spring and summer when you can rely on the sun being out in the evening. Enjoy Rome!
Rajvs
Chennai (Madras), India186 contributions
I have the invitation letter for Papals Chirstmas Eve prayer. It mentioned to collect the tickets starting from two days earlier... when is the Chirstmas eve prayer time at Vatican city. Can I able to collect the ticket on 24th Morning?
tangi1
Elizabeth, NJ808 contributions
Christmas eve mass is at 9:30pm on December 24, 2019, I would follow the instructions in the letter.
Rajvs
Chennai (Madras), India186 contributions
I am planning to visit pisa and florence from and want to cover it in a day. I know there are trains from rome pisa.. is the commutation from pisa to florence easy?
Claudine A
Long Island, NY185 contributions
There is a train from Florence to Pisa. Not sure what you want to see in Florence but there is a lot to do. Pisa can be done in one dAy.
nolegroomrg
Toronto, Canada16 contributions
I'm thinking of booking a train from Rome to Pompeii.
Seems I would have more flexibility in terms of when I travel, how long I stay, and save $ re a guided tour.
Do a little homework and wing it.
Downside?
Thanks
Helen B
52 contributions
We self toured Pompeii, found the train into Naples quick and efficient from Pompeii, and went to the Scavi site early, and bought tickets without trouble and straight in. BUT that was very early spring! It is a big site, and when the crowds started to arrive, it became difficult to traverse all the available ruins. TAKE water!!!!
Rajvs
Chennai (Madras), India186 contributions
Hi
I am solo traveller, planned to Visit Italy during last week of Dec 2019. Planned to cover (a) Colosseum, (b) Vatican city (c) Pisa leaning tower (d) Pompeii (e) Herculaneum (f) Museums of Naples, Rome. Any advise on commuting between the cities?
Claudine A
Long Island, NY185 contributions
If you’re not on a tour, take train from Rome to Pisa. Did a skip the line tour for Coliseum and Pompeii as well as Vatican bus picked us up at hotel.
Rajvs
Chennai (Madras), India186 contributions
Hi,
I have planned to visit Vatican city either on 24th Dec, or 25th Dec? or 26th Dec. Anyone had experience of visiting Vatican on Christmas eve or during Christmas? Will it have any restrictions due to huge crowd?
Rajvs
Chennai (Madras), India186 contributions
Is it a right season to visit Pompeii during 1st week of October? How much time required to see? I want to cover herculaneum as well as Colosseum... how many days required
galbert07
Cincinnati, Ohio132 contributions
I think it is a perfect time to visit. Amount of time to spend depends on how caught up you get when viewing these incredible sites. I could spend days there.
suzanne b
55 contributions
How much are entrance fees to Pompeii and Vesuvius we are planning on paying on the day as unsure what day we are going
Byfield_MiltonKeynes
Milton Keynes72 contributions
pompeii is 15 euro and free under 18.
happyfamilyi
Venice, Italy120 contributions
Eu gostava de saber se pode ser visitado sem excurcao gosto de ver com tempo e sem presas
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forum
- Hotels near Forum:
- (0.15 km) La Villa Franca Pompeii
- (0.09 km) Villa Ettore Rooms And Apartment
- (0.16 km) Easy Bed Hostel Pompei
- (0.26 km) Relais Country House Pompei
- (0.18 km) Dreams Pompei
- Restaurants near Forum:
- (0.29 km) Osteria Nonna Cherubina
- (0.23 km) Ristorante Tiberius Pompei
- (0.23 km) So Zen - Restaurant & Arabian Lounge
- (0.98 km) Caupona
- (1.68 km) Bistrot Cannavacciuolo