Italy limits visitors to protect precious Roman heritage

Ruined houses and stone streets in Pompeii. (Source: Shutterstock)

This regulation will take effect from November 15, aiming to protect the relic site from unwanted impacts from the daily influx of tourists.

The announcement comes after a surge in visitors, with more than 36,000 people visiting on a free Sunday. Director of the site Gabriel Zuchtriegel said easing the pressure on Pompeii was necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and preserve the precious site.

According to the Italian Ministry of Culture, in 2023, Pompeii attracted more than 4 million tourists , an increase of 33.6% over the previous year, equivalent to an average of 11,200 people/day.

In Italy, museums are free on the first Sunday of every month, but on weekdays, entry to Pompeii costs 18 euros ($19.32), allowing visitors to see the ruins of a once-thriving city buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Pompeii continues to reveal exciting new discoveries. Last month, archaeologists discovered a small house with exquisitely preserved frescoes of mythological scenes, giving the world a deeper insight into ancient Roman life and art.

The decision to limit visitors each day is an important step in preserving this precious heritage. Pompeii is not the only destination in Italy to impose visitor control measures. The city of Venice has also implemented an entrance fee system to reduce the number of visitors, aiming to balance tourism demand with sustainability.