Start at the charming square of Bartolo Longo. The lively gathering point, popular with tourists and pilgrims, is decorated with many well-kept gardens, a lovely central fountain, and a series of monuments.

Then, take some steps to the magnificent Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary dominating the cozy square, an international place of pilgrimage flooded with an overwhelming holy atmosphere. The majestic interior of the basilica houses domes richly adorned with exquisite frescoes and mosaics and the priceless Picture of the Queen of the Rosary. Besides, the looming stand-alone Bell Tower of the church provides the unique vistas of the ruins, the modern town, the bay, and the formidable Mount Vesuvius.

Next, head to the Necropolis of Nocera Portal, located by the namesake southern entrance of the city walls. The burial area, consisting of around 200 toms of varied sizes and decorations such as frescoes, inscriptions, and ceramic objects, offers a moving testimony of the relationship of the ancient Romans with the afterlife.

On the next step, visit the Amphitheatre of Pompeii on the south-eastern side of the ruins. Built in 70 BC, the oldest Roman Amphitheatre could hold up to 20,000 spectators from Pompeii and nearby towns. The simplistic yet impressive design of grandiose construction, which would host chariot racing, gladiator fights, and animal hunts, set a model for more advanced amphitheaters throughout the Roman colony.

Proceed to discover another ancient sports facility: Palestra Grande (Great Gymnasium of Pompeii), just opposite the amphitheater. The wide, open courtyard with a swimming pool at the center used to be a training ground for gladiators or a meeting center for young citizens encouraged to improve their intellectual and physical strengths.

Then, join Via dell’Abbondanza (Street of Abundance), the main artery of the ancient Pompeii. The stone cobbled road with raised walkways on either side is also the longest street of the ancient city, lined by numerous fountains and a number of significant sites, such as House of Venus in the Shell, House of Julius Polybius, and most notably The School of Gladiators.

Lastly, visit the House of Menander, one of the richest and most magnificent of the ruins. The ancient Roman residential complex with elaborate architecture takes its name from the striking fresco of the ancient Greek dramatist Menander hung inside the house, together with many other extravagant decorations, implying that the discerning owner of the house could have been a wealthy and influential aristocrat at the time.