Pompeii – No longer just a feast for the eyes, but an experience to be enjoyed with all the senses. The Pompeii Archaeological Park is embarking on a radical transformation of its offerings, aiming for complete accessibility that breaks down all barriers, both physical and cognitive.
Thanks to funding from the PNRR, the ancient city is becoming a model of inclusion, offering new visiting tools that enrich the experience for every visitor.
At the entrance to Piazza Anfiteatro, a new tactile display introduces visitors to the site's history, opening a path that takes in key locations in the archaeological area.
Exploring with "Pompeii in your hands"
At the heart of the innovation is the "Pompeii in your hands" project, a multisensory journey that allows visitors to literally "touch" history. 3D models of the most iconic sites, high-definition bas-reliefs depicting artifacts and architecture, and tactile maps designed for independent orientation have been installed.
Each display is accompanied by Braille captions and QR codes linking to accessible digital content: inclusive audio descriptions, virtual tours, and videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and International Sign (IS). What's more, a sensory station will allow visitors to discover the shapes and even the scents of ancient Pompeii, while interactive signage will guide visitors through the site.
The initiative is not limited to tools, but also invests in human capital, with dedicated guided tours with LIS interpreters and specific training for all Park staff.
The vision: "Accessibility that doesn't create ghettos"
This breakthrough is not only intended for specific disabilities, but for a universal audience.
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Zuchtriegel highlighted how barriers are a daily obstacle for many: "Each of us functions differently, each of us ages, and having a newborn in a stroller is enough to realize how many barriers hinder everyday life. The new paths are intended to be facilitators for everyone, starting with children who explore the world with all their senses."
Protection and Technology: Maintenance Goes Digital
The push for inclusiveness is part of a broader strategy for the care and maintenance of Pompeii's immense heritage. For the first time in its history, the Park has initiated systematic and periodic monitoring of all 13.000 spaces.
All the data on the state of conservation are being merged into a new digital platform, which will allow for the scientific planning of restoration and maintenance interventions. "Maintenance is essential not only for its decorum," added the Director, "but also to ensure the survival and accessibility of Pompeii's heritage for future generations."
The cost of quality: new tariffs from 2026
To support this massive modernization effort, which includes increased cleaning services, landscaping, and technological implementation, the Park has announced an increase in admission fees, effective January 12, 2026.
The basic ticket for Pompeii will increase to €20. A €25 ticket will be introduced, which will also include a visit to the suburban villas (Villa dei Misteri and Villa di Diomede) and the Villa Regina site in Boscoreale with its Antiquarium. The "3-day" ticket will cost €30, while the "MyPompei" annual pass will increase to €45.
All free admission (under 18, first Sunday of the month, visitors to the Stabia Villas) and discounts (€2 ticket for young people between 18 and 25) remain completely unchanged. This is a necessary investment to transform Pompeii from a simple archaeological site into a comprehensive cultural experience, welcoming and accessible to all.
Comments (1)
The article offers an important reflection on how Pompeii is evolving to be more accessible to all. New initiatives are welcome, but I hope there aren't price increases that limit visits.