Tourism of Pompeii and How It Became a Must-Visit Destination

Pompeii Before the 19th Century

Before Pompeii became accessible to the general public, it was a largely forgotten city, visited only by a select few. Early visitors were predominantly scholars and elite travelers on the Grand Tour, a cultural pilgrimage popular among Europe’s upper class.

These early adventurers relied heavily on personal guides or their social connections to gain access to the ruins, making the site exclusive and inaccessible to most. The state of Pompeii during this time was far from organized.

Without systematic excavation methods or proper documentation, much of what was discovered remained unprotected and poorly understood. The lack of regulations meant that many valuable artifacts were lost or damaged, and the site’s potential remained largely untapped.

Key Reforms and Changes Introduced by Fiorelli

The turning point for Pompeii came in 1860 with the appointment of Giuseppe Fiorelli as Inspector of Excavations. Fiorelli revolutionized archaeological practices at Pompeii, implementing systematic excavation methods that preserved the site’s integrity.

His approach ensured that digging proceeded in an organized manner, starting from the city’s walls or gates and moving inward along main streets. This method allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of Pompeii’s layout and preserved its historical context.

Fiorelli also introduced detailed documentation procedures. Excavation daybooks recorded valuable information such as the date, time, number of workmen, and details of the objects and buildings found. This meticulous record-keeping was crucial for preserving historical data and facilitated more extensive research and study.

One of Fiorelli’s most significant contributions was the introduction of a ticketing system in 1862. This move democratized access to Pompeii, making it available to a broader audience. The antiquities of Pompeii were no longer seen as the private property of rulers but as public heritage, fostering a sense of shared history and culture.

Guidebooks and Organized Tours in Tourism of Pompeii

With increased access to Pompeii came the need for practical information for visitors. Early travelers often relied on personal guides, but the rise of practical guidebooks in the 19th century changed this dynamic. Domenico Romanelli’s “Viaggio a Pompei, a Pesto e di ritorno a Ercolano,” published in 1811, was one of the first practical guides, offering detailed descriptions of the site. By the mid-19th century, publishers like John Murray and Karl Baedeker refined Romanelli’s format, combining comprehensive travel advice with detailed archaeological site descriptions.

These guidebooks became indispensable, bridging the gap between scholarly works and everyday travel needs, allowing individuals to navigate and appreciate Pompeii with greater independence and insight. The rise of these practical guidebooks paralleled the democratization of travel.

As more people visited Pompeii, the demand for accessible, reliable information soared. Murray and Baedeker’s concise, user-friendly guides catered to this growing middle-class audience, transforming solitary adventures into well-orchestrated educational experiences.

In 1864, Thomas Cook introduced organized tours to Pompeii, making the site more accessible to a broader audience. These tours included a one-and-a-half-day excursion to Naples, dedicating a day to both Pompeii and Vesuvius.

Cook’s organized tours provided a structured itinerary, ensuring that visitors could explore the key highlights of Pompeii without missing important sites. This initiative significantly increased visitor numbers and transformed Pompeii into a popular tourist destination.

Cook’s tours offered convenience and ease of access, attracting travelers who may not have otherwise ventured to Pompeii. The introduction of guidebooks and organized tours enhanced the credibility and accessibility of the historical site and elevated visitor expectations, driving further innovations in archaeological heritage conservation a tourism of Pompeii.

The Impact of Commercialization and Photography

The commercialization of Pompeii played a pivotal role in transforming the site into a major tourist destination. The advent of photography allowed for more accurate documentation and provided visitors with tangible mementos of their visit.

Early photographers like Alexander John Ellis and George Wilson Bridges captured the ruins in the 1840s, but it was Giorgio Sommer’s collaboration with Fiorelli that had a lasting impact. Sommer’s scientific style of photography, which focused on detailed documentation rather than picturesque scenes, became immensely popular.

The sale of photographs and postcards became a significant commercial enterprise. Souvenir albums and hand-colored lithographs made Pompeii’s images accessible to a wider audience, democratizing the experience. Guides at the site were permitted to sell photographic souvenirs, providing visitors with keepsakes that helped shape their memories of the visit.

Evolution of tourism of Pompeii

The changes introduced in the 19th century fundamentally altered the visitor experience at Pompeii. The site, once reserved for elite tourists, became accessible to middle-class and international visitors.

This shift in demographics brought new expectations and experiences. Visitors were no longer solely interested in the aesthetic appreciation of art; they were captivated by the emotional story of Pompeii’s destruction.

Popular depictions of Pompeii in novels, paintings, and public spectacles further fueled the fascination. The site became a household name in Europe and the United States, attracting an increasing number of visitors.

Notable figures such as the English novelist Arthur Sketchley and American journalist Nathaniel Parker Willis documented their visits, highlighting the emotional impact of the ruins.

Fiorelli’s Systematic Excavation Methods

Fiorelli’s systematic excavation methods were groundbreaking. Unlike the haphazard digging practices of the past, Fiorelli’s approach involved a grid system that carefully mapped out the entire city.

This method not only preserved the site’s structural integrity but also provided valuable insights into the daily lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants. By meticulously recording each find, Fiorelli ensured that future generations could study and learn from Pompeii’s rich history, significantly enhancing tourism of Pompeii.

Changes in Visitor Demographics

The changes introduced in the 19th century fundamentally altered tourism of Pompeii. The site, once reserved for elite tourists, became accessible to middle-class and international visitors. The shift in demographics brought new expectations and experiences.

Visitors were no longer solely interested in the aesthetic appreciation of art; they were captivated by the emotional story of Pompeii’s destruction. The tragic tale of a once-thriving city buried under volcanic ash resonated with visitors, making Pompeii a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Popular Depictions of Pompeii

Popular depictions of Pompeii in novels, paintings, and public spectacles further fueled the fascination with the site. Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s novel “The Last Days of Pompeii,” published in 1834, brought the story of Pompeii to a wider audience. The novel’s vivid descriptions and dramatic narrative captured the imagination of readers and sparked interest in the ancient city.

Paintings and public spectacles depicting the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii also captivated audiences. These artistic representations brought the story of Pompeii to life, further cementing its status as a major tourist attraction.

Notable Visitors of Pompeii

Tourism of Pompeii attracted notable figures from around the world. English novelist Arthur Sketchley and American journalist Nathaniel Parker Willis documented their visits, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences.

They highlighted the emotional impact of the ruins, describing the sense of awe and wonder that visitors felt as they walked through the ancient streets. Their accounts offered a glimpse into the evolving visitor experience and the growing fascination with tourism of Pompeii.

Pompeii’s Transformation

The transformation of Pompeii over the 19th century laid the foundation for its status as a premier historical and cultural destination. The reforms introduced by Fiorelli, the rise of organized tours, the commercialization through photography, and the evolving visitor experiences all played crucial roles in this transformation.

Today, Pompeii continues to attract millions of visitors each year, drawn by its rich history and well-preserved ruins. The site’s accessibility, detailed documentation, and ongoing preservation efforts ensure that future generations can continue to explore and appreciate Pompeii’s ancient treasures.

Conclusion

Pompeii’s transformation from an archaeological site to a major tourist attraction highlights innovation, accessibility, and preservation. Key reforms by Giuseppe Fiorelli, organized tours, commercial photography, and evolving visitor experiences were pivotal.

Today, tourism of Pompeii offers a significant cultural heritage experience for history enthusiasts, bloggers, students, and travelers. Its legacy continues to inspire and educate, inviting visitors to explore the ancient Roman city preserved in time.