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Pompeii Implements Visitor Cap to Preserve Ancient Site

The iconic archaeological site of Pompeii, famously buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E., is set to enact a new limit on daily visitor numbers. This measure aims to mitigate overcrowding and safeguard the integrity of the ancient ruins.

Starting on November 15, the Pompeii Archaeological Park announced that a maximum of 20,000 tourists will be allowed entry each day, a response to the record-breaking influx of visitors. All guests must acquire a personalized ticket that includes their name and is designated for a specific time slot.

Pompeii has long been a major attraction for those visiting Italy, giving a rare glimpse into Roman life. Last summer saw unprecedented numbers, with the site receiving four million visitors—an increase of 33.6 percent compared to the previous year, as highlighted by Reuters. On peak days, the staggering total reached 36,000 visitors, prompting a reevaluation of visitor management.

According to a spokesperson for the park, many visitors may not feel the impact of these new guidelines, as peak visitor counts typically coincide with free entry days offered on the first Sunday of each month. On ordinary days, the threshold of 20,000 was only exceeded a handful of times.

During May 2024, which was the busiest month of the year, the average daily attendance was 16,700, contributing to a total of 517,000 visitors that month, as reported by United Press International.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological park, stated, “We are developing several initiatives to lessen the human impact on the site, which poses risks for both visitors and the unique, delicate heritage.” This commentary reflects ongoing concerns regarding the preservation of such an important historical site, as indicated by the Associated Press.

Furthermore, there have been troubling incidents involving careless tourists, with reports of individuals vandalizing ancient structures by carving initials into walls. Such actions have raised alarms among preservationists and park officials alike.

The new visitor cap is anticipated to simplify crowd management for staff and security, reducing the strain from increased tourist numbers. Additionally, park authorities are encouraging exploration of the surrounding areas by offering free bus services to connect visitors with adjacent historical sites.

“These measures aimed at managing tourist flows and ensuring safety, alongside personalized visits, are part of our broader strategy,” Zuchtriegel emphasized. “Our goal is to promote slow, sustainable, and enjoyable tourism, while encouraging exploration across the rich cultural landscape surrounding the UNESCO site.”

This decision aligns with similar initiatives taken by other historic sites in Italy facing challenges related to excessive tourism. Recently, Venice has trialed a controversial entrance fee for day visitors, while Rome has announced plans for an admission charge at the famous Trevi Fountain aimed at managing visitor numbers.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com