Behind the scenes at Pompeii: guided visits to the excavation sites

Behind the scenes at Pompeii: guided visits to the excavation sites

Until 23 July 2026 the Archaeological Park of Pompeii is offering weekly guided visits as part of the Raccontare i cantieri initiative. These tours let visitors observe the daily work of archaeologists and conservators and enter areas not normally open to the public.

Now in its fifth edition, the program provides a rare look at ongoing excavations and restoration projects, with expert commentary on field methods and recent discoveries.

Sites included in the visits

• 19 active sites across the archaeological area, including notable houses and urban blocks;
• famous domus such as the House of the Labyrinth and the Domus of C. Bladus (Cesio Blando);
• funerary areas and important insulae like the Necropolis of Porta Stabia and the Insula Meridionalis;
• work on extra-urban villas and storage deposits, including Civita Giuliana, the Villa of the Mysteries and the archaeological deposits of San Paolino;
• tours may also include nearby Vesuvian sites such as the Villas of Stabiae and the Reggia di Quisisana.

How to join

Participation requires a MyPompeii Card and reservation for the chosen date according to the published calendar. Reservations must be sent by email before 14:00 on the day prior to the visit to info@p ompeii.it (follow the Park's official booking instructions).

Groups are capped at 20 people per tour to ensure safety and a high-quality visitor experience within the excavation sites.

Why attend

These guided visits allow participants to learn about the full cycle of archaeological work: planning and conducting excavations, conservation of painted surfaces, and structural consolidation. Visitors can see freshly uncovered mosaics, decorations and artefacts, and hear firsthand explanations from the professionals working on the sites.

The initiative is particularly suitable for those interested in conservation techniques, recent archaeological finds and an in-depth experience of Pompeii beyond standard tourist routes.