17 May 2025
The day began with a most breath-taking journey to just beyond Positano taking in the stunning views of the Amalfi and Sorrento coast. Then a stop off in Sorrento, for the best pizza and a limoncello spritz ever! I could have stayed at this cliff- top restaurant spot all day. However, on this short visit, I couldn’t come all the way to this beautiful part of Italy, without the opportunity to explore Pompeii.
Stepping into the ancient city, the late April sun added warmth to the worn stone streets, with Mount Vesuvius standing in the distance. Poppies popped up between the ruins, adding splashes of colour to the historic site.
Walking through the Forum, I could picture the crowds that once gathered here—merchants, shoppers, and politicians shaping the daily rhythm of the city. The baths still held traces of their former luxury, with mosaic floors and remnants of the heating system that made them a retreat in their time. Villas along the way gave a glimpse into Pompeian life, their faded frescoes hinting at the once-vibrant interiors. The streets, lined with the remains of ancient shops, told stories of a busy marketplace.
One of the most powerful moments came at the exhibit displaying the plaster moulds of Pompeii’s victims—frozen in their final moments. Seeing their expressions and postures captured in such detail was deeply moving, a reminder of the sudden devastation that struck.
As the day came to an end, I looked again at the ruins, stood against the backdrop of Vesuvius. Our guide told us how the whole of the Naples area, home to millions, remains vulnerable to the same forces still today. The beautiful poppies I saw dotted around served as a sign—a reminder to never forget.
Share this post: