One of Italy’s top archaeological sights, the ruins of the city of Pompeii, will now have a daily limit of 20,000 visitors in hopes of avoiding damage to the ancient ruins.
The city, south of Naples, was buried in volcanic ash from nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD; excavations started in the early 19th century and continuing have allowed a preserved glimpse of Roman life.
Over 4 million visitors were recorded last year, up a third from the previous year and well above pre-pandemic levels. Last month alone saw 480,000 visitors; May was the top month w2ith 517,000.
A ticket system with individualized tickets will be instituted, and the management of the archaeological park is also trying to attract more tourists to visit other ancient sites connected to Pompeii by a free shuttle bus under the “Greater Pompeii” project, including Stabia, Torre Annunziata and Boscoreale sites.
