Discover the City that Disappeared with Accademia Italiana

Accademia Italiana Salerno prides itself on being able to provide a cultural experience to its students. Each month the leisure department creates a program rich in history, Italian culture, social exchange, sightseeing, and more. One of the most beloved excursions by our students is a day trip to Pompeii. A few weeks ago, our international students from Finland along with a few of our Canadian students set off to discover the remnants of the “the city that disappeared”.

Located only 45 minutes by train, Pompeii is famously known for being destroyed and buried by the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption destroyed the city, killed its inhabitants, and was buried under layers and layers of volcanic ash. The city was lost for over 1,500 years until it was rediscovered in 1599. Artifacts buried underneath Pompeii were well preserved with little to no deterioration due to the lack of air and moisture beneath the surface.

When touring through the city you can see the excavated Pompeians and animals in their exact position as the disaster struck. Over time as the ash hardened it created hollows all over the site. When Pompeii was discovered, archeologist injected the hollows with liquid plaster in order to let it harden so they could be dug up. The level of detail still seen from the excavated bodies is amazing. You can still see the clothes and expressions of the victims during their last few moments.  

The excavated site truly provides a look into the lives of the Pompeians. When touring the ruins one learns of the daily life of its inhabitants. The stunning Roman architecture allows you to easily imagine the towns estates, gymnasium, basilica, and amphitheater during their glory days. Seeing the huge amphitheater and the theater is another highlight of touring Pompeii. The grand amphitheater is a little ways from the main city but was an exciting place for the people of Pompeii to enjoy the gladiatorial events that we read so much about. The theater, home to public theatrical performances was also built for leisure. A few seats are still graced with original marble coverings.

Since its discovery, Pompeii has been a tourist attraction for over 250 years with around 2.5 million tourists visiting the site each year. Although the archeological site can be bustling with eager tourist, one can easily find sirene in a secluded area of the massive site.

Spoken in Italian, students enjoy our 2-hour guided tours of Pompeii as it allows them to enhance and practice their Italian language skills outside of the classroom.This experience allows students to embrace the Italian culture as the tour gives them a chance to gain a historical view of Southern Italy.

Danielle Randall
Italian student of Accademia Italiana Salerno