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
Italian student of Accademia Italiana Salerno
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