5 Archaeological Sites in Campania You Must Visit

Why visit Campania's archaeological sites

Campania preserves outstanding traces of ancient civilizations: from cities buried by Vesuvius to majestic Greek temples. Visiting these sites provides a layered historical journey—from Roman life to early Christian archaeology—ideal for travelers interested in culture and evocative atmospheres.

The 5 must-see archaeological sites

• Parco Archeologico di Pompei (Pompeii): the city frozen in time since 79 AD, with its Forum, frescoed houses and amphitheater. Tip: book tickets in advance and consider a small-group guided tour.
• Ercolano (Herculaneum): smaller but exceptionally preserved, it retains organic materials and upper floors of houses. Visits are often combined with an excursion to Vesuvius and the National Park.
• The temples of Paestum: three well-preserved Doric temples and a museum housing the famous Tomb of the Diver. Combine the visit with a buffalo mozzarella tasting for a full cultural and culinary experience.
• Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso (Naples): an underground journey through Byzantine frescoes and ancient burials in the historic Rione Sanità.
• MANN – National Archaeological Museum of Naples: home to finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman mosaics and the Farnese Collection; essential to complete your understanding of the region's heritage.

Practical tips

Tickets and tours: advance booking is recommended for Pompeii and Herculaneum; guided tours enhance the visit and save time. For Paestum, look for tours that include the museum and local tastings.

Where to eat: taste authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples; near Paestum sample buffalo mozzarella DOP; around Vesuvius try dishes with Piennolo tomatoes and local wines like Lacryma Christi.

Where to stay: stay in central Naples for easy train connections, choose a resort near Paestum for temple views at dusk, or a countryside B&B close to Pompeii for a peaceful family-friendly stay.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. For extensive archaeological visits, avoid the hottest hours and favor early morning or late afternoon tours.