Pompeii, Italy
Airing Date: Aug 21st, 2006
Every year over 2 million people flock to Pompeii to satisfy a morbid curiosity - to see the remains of an ancient disaster site - and a preserved snapshot of life in the Roman Empire with the remains of temples, bath houses, bakeries and even brothels.
Pompeii lay buried beneath the ash deposits for almost 1,700 years before being discovered. The remains of about 2,000 victims (out of a population of 20,000) have been found in excavations at Pompeii. Archaeologists found the shells (moulds) of the bodies preserved in the hardened ash.
By carefully pouring plaster into the shells, they made detailed copies of the individuals, even showing the expressions on their faces. Pompeii is a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered the most important archaeological site in Europe. There are many archaeological attractions at Pompeii and nearby Mt Vesuvius including:
* The Temple di Apollo (Temple of Apollo).
* The Basilica which was once the law courts and the town exchange. The fenced off ruins contain some gruesome body casts.
* Tempio di Giove (Temple of Jupiter) and the remains of an ancient marketplace where the locals sold produce.
* Museo dell' Osservatorio Vesuviano (Vesuvius Observatory) is located on the mountain's flank and was established in 1845, making it the first vulcanological observatory in the world. Free entry!
* Visitors can also walk to the summit of Vesuvius and the crater rim of the volcano.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Air Mauritius return to Milan from $2015 ex west coast, $2330 ex east coast. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 28/7/06.
Air Mauritius - Ph: 1300 658 572, Web: www.airmauritius.com
Alitalia connect to Naples from $348 one way. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 28/7/06. Alitalia - Ph: 02 9244 2400
Grand Hotel Europa - Rooms from $135 a person. Twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Valid 4/9/06 - 31/10/06. Prices correct at 21/8/06. CIT Holidays- Ph: 1300 361 500, Web: www.citholidays.com.au
Full day tour of Pompeii and Naples from Adults $141. Kids $110. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Valid until 31/10/06. Prices correct at 21/8/06. CIT Holidays - Ph:1300 36 1500, Web: www.citholidays.com.au
Italian Government Tourist Office - www.enit.it
Soprintendenza Archeologica Di Pompei - www.pompeiisites.org
Mt Vesuvius - www.ov.ingv.it
