From 28 August to 10 October 2026, the “Serate della Grande Pompei” (Evenings of Greater Pompeii) return, with special night-time visits to the archaeological sites of Pompeii, Oplontis, Boscoreale and Stabiae.
Every Friday and Saturday, visitors will be able to explore sites managed by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii in the evening, from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm, with last admission at 10:30 pm. It is an opportunity to experience the archaeological heritage in a very different atmosphere from a normal daytime visit.
Evening visits to the Pompeii Archaeological Park
At Pompeii, two different evening itineraries will be available on 29 August, 5, 12, 19 and 26 September, and 10 October.
The first route starts from Piazza Anfiteatro and includes the Palestra Grande, where some of the casts of victims of the eruption are displayed, as well as several important houses, including the Praedia of Julia Felix, the House of Venus in the Shell and the House of Octavius Quartio.
The second itinerary leads to the Villa of the Mysteries and, thanks to a shuttle service, also to Villa Regina in Boscoreale.
Visitors who would like to gain a deeper understanding of Pompeii before experiencing the site at night can also join a daytime guided tour of Pompeii with admission included. A guided visit can help you better understand the history of the ancient city, its buildings and everyday Roman life before returning for one of the special evening walks.
Theatre and archaeology with “Ecstatic Pompeii”
The evening openings are accompanied by the second edition of Esopop, entitled Ecstatic Pompeii. The Dionysian City, between Ecstasy and Mysteries.
This year's programme focuses on Dionysus and the mystery cults associated with the god. The theme is also connected with recent discoveries in Regio IX of Pompeii, where a large Dionysian representation has emerged in the House of the Thiasus and is still undergoing restoration.
On the scheduled dates, performances will take place at the Villa of the Mysteries and other sites within the Greater Pompeii archaeological area, creating an experience that combines archaeology and theatre.
The evening performances are scheduled in two sessions, at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm, with advance booking required and limited availability. Afternoon performances are also planned at 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm, during normal opening hours and with free admission.
Evening openings in Boscoreale, Oplontis and Stabiae
The Serate della Grande Pompei are not limited to the Pompeii excavations.
The Antiquarium of Boscoreale will also take part in the evening programme and, during the European Heritage Days on 26 September, will host one of the Esopop performances.
At Oplontis, the Villa of Poppaea will host visits, cultural initiatives and performances. The programme begins on 28 August with the performance Semele. La verità è un fuoco, followed in the following weeks by visits organised by Archeoclub and other activities.
The Archaeological Museum of Stabiae at the Royal Palace of Quisisana, Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna will also take part in the evening openings, with events dedicated to theatre, guided visits and the archaeological heritage of ancient Stabiae.
How much do the evening visits cost?
The ticket for the evening walks costs €7 for each site.
At Pompeii, the price is €7 for each of the two itineraries, with access from either the Villa of the Mysteries or Piazza Anfiteatro. Free and reduced admission is available in accordance with current regulations.
Evening visits to Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna are free of charge.
The Ecstatic Pompeii theatrical performances also cost €7 for each site, with limited places and advance booking recommended.
Tickets for the evening walks can be purchased online through the official ticketing service: buy tickets for the Serate della Grande Pompei evening walks.
Free shuttle between Pompeii and Boscoreale
A free Artebus Pompeii–Boscoreale shuttle service will also be available during the evening openings.
The shuttle will depart from Piazza Esedra in Pompeii and take visitors to the Villa of the Mysteries and the archaeological site of Boscoreale, including Villa Regina and the Antiquarium. Timetables will be available on the official website of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
Combining a daytime visit with an evening opening
The Serate della Grande Pompei offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the area's most important archaeological sites from a different perspective, combining evening visits with theatrical performances and cultural events.
Travellers spending the whole day in Pompeii can explore the ancient city during daylight hours, perhaps with a guided tour of Pompeii, and then choose one of the special evening itineraries.
Source: Archaeological Park of Pompeii