ROME, Nov 8 (Reuters) – The Pompeii archaeological park in southern Italy announced it will limit daily visitor numbers to 20,000 due to its increasing popularity. This change will take effect on November 15, following a day where over 36,000 people entered the park during a free-admission Sunday.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the park’s director, emphasized the need to reduce human impact on the ancient site for conservation and safety purposes. This new limit aligns with similar initiatives at other tourist destinations, such as Venice, which has implemented an entry fee system to manage visitor numbers.
In the previous year, Pompeii attracted more than 4 million visitors, marking a 33.6% increase compared to the prior year—averaging about 11,200 visitors each day, according to culture ministry statistics. A spokesperson mentioned that the 20,000 cap was generally exceeded only during free admission Sundays and a few regular paying days. Entrance to Italian museums is complimentary on the first Sunday of the month, while a standard ticket to Pompeii is priced at 18 euros (approximately $19.32).
The site is a remarkable archaeological treasure, showcasing the well-preserved ruins of a bustling city that was buried under volcanic ash, rocks, and dust following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Ongoing archaeological efforts continue to yield new discoveries, including a recently uncovered small house adorned with beautifully preserved frescoes depicting mythological scenes.
