We left the beautiful Amalfi coast to spend a couple days in Ercolano, our chosen base for exploring Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples.

It was wonderful to get a glimpse into Roman life 2,000 years ago. The volcanic eruption that completely buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD also preserved them. Excavations today give us a glimpse into the cities and what Roman life was like. The cities are large and we spent a full day wondering through them. Pompeii shows the impressive size of the city but Herculaneum has better preserved structures.

Yesterday we ventured into Naples, where we explored the historic district and had dinner at a pizzeria (pizza originates from Naples).

Miles walked yesterday and today: 16.3

A stretch of Amalfi Coast:

Ruins of Pompeii:

Artifacts found at Pompeii:

Amplitheater:

Gladiators:

Roman fast food shop (common for lunch):

Changing room at the baths:

Mosaic floor at the baths:

Women’s baths:

Roman House at Herculaneum:

Another House:

Public fountain on Herculaneum street:

Herculaneum – current city on top, ancient city excavated below, and volcano that buried ancient city in background: