Pompeii Introduces Visitor Cap Amid Rising Tourist Numbers

Pompeii, famed for its well-preserved ruins from the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, will implement a daily visitor limit of 20,000 starting November 15 due to a significant increase in tourism.

The archaeological site of Pompeii, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, is set to introduce a cap on daily tourist numbers, limiting entry to 20,000 visitors per day. This decision follows an unprecedented surge in attendance, which peaked at 36,000 on a free entry day earlier this October, igniting concerns about the preservation of the site.

The announcement was made by park management on Friday, with the visitor cap taking effect on November 15. Pompeii, buried beneath volcanic ash for over a millennium after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, stands as one of the most remarkable archaeological sites, drawing immense interest from tourists and historians alike.

In 2023 alone, the site welcomed nearly four million visitors, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous year. Visitor figures were on the rise even before the pandemic, and this year saw numbers surpassing pre-Covid attendance levels. October 2024 saw a remarkable influx of over 480,000 visitors, averaging roughly 15,500 per day. The month of May recorded the highest footfall, with around 517,000 tourists enjoying the ancient ruins.

Despite the cap, park authorities anticipate that visitor restrictions will only occur during peak times, such as the first Sunday of the month when free entry is offered. Other high-traffic days are also expected to occasionally exceed the limit. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park director, emphasized that the move aims to protect the site's integrity, ensuring that the ever-increasing number of visitors does not compromise the ancient treasures it holds.

Much of Pompeii remains buried, with approximately one-third of the site still unexcavated. It continues to captivate archaeologists, providing an exceptional glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. Recent discoveries, including vibrant frescoes depicting Greek mythology, have further solidified the site's significance in archaeological studies.

With entry fees starting at €18 (£14.90; $19.30), Pompeii remains accessible to many, although the new visitor limit sets forth a balance between tourism and preservation of this historic location.