The ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the most hauntingly beautiful archaeological sites in the world. As a travel photographer, Pompeii is a dream—sun-baked ruins, dramatic light, and an overwhelming sense of history around every corner. If you’re planning to visit with your camera or smartphone ready, here are the top 10 Instagram-worthy spots in Pompeii, complete with coordinates, photography tips, and visual highlights.
1. The Forum of Pompeii
📍 Location: [40.74934, 14.48419]
The Forum was the commercial, political, and religious heart of Pompeii. Flanked by ruins and with Mount Vesuvius in the background, this wide-open square is ideal for panoramic shots.
Photo Tip: Shoot in early morning or golden hour for dramatic shadows and soft light. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the breadth of the plaza and frame Vesuvius in the distance.
2. Temple of Apollo
📍 Location: [40.74995, 14.48470]
One of the oldest temples in the city, this site features columns, altar ruins, and a statue of Apollo—all framed by Mount Vesuvius.
Photo Tip: Focus on silhouettes of the statues against the sky or backlight your subject for a moody, artistic feel.
3. House of the Faun
📍 Location: [40.75200, 14.48433]
This grand residence boasts intricate mosaics, statues, and large courtyards. The famous “Dancing Faun” statue makes for a standout capture.
Photo Tip: Use portrait mode for tight shots on the mosaics. Capture the length of the peristyle with symmetrical framing.
4. Villa of the Mysteries
📍 Location: [40.75511, 14.47548]
A bit removed from the main ruins, this villa is famous for its vibrant frescoes depicting Dionysian rituals.
Photo Tip: Use low ISO for the dark interiors. Respect the lighting restrictions but experiment with contrast to bring out the fresco colors.
5. Amphitheater of Pompeii
📍 Location: [40.75097, 14.49239]
This is the oldest known Roman amphitheater, offering impressive symmetry and massive scale.
Photo Tip: Shoot from the upper tier for a bird’s-eye view. A wide-angle lens will capture the oval structure in its entirety.
6. Large Palaestra (Gymnasium)
📍 Location: [40.75011, 14.49445]
Bordered by colonnades and palm trees, this training ground has a mix of nature and architecture.
Photo Tip: Play with foreground elements like palm fronds or columns for depth. This spot works well for dramatic portraits.
7. Garden of the Fugitives
📍 Location: [40.75068, 14.49436]
This poignant site includes casts of victims preserved in volcanic ash.
Photo Tip: Shoot respectfully. Consider black-and-white to underscore the historical weight and emotion.
8. Stabian Baths
📍 Location: [40.75156, 14.48742]
Beautiful tile work and ancient Roman engineering await here. The frigidarium, with its geometric ceiling, is especially photogenic.
Photo Tip: Low-light settings work well. Try capturing reflections and symmetry in the bath chambers.
9. Street of Abundance (Via dell’Abbondanza)
📍 Location: [40.75042, 14.48827]
One of the busiest streets in ancient Pompeii, this long road is lined with shops, homes, and fountains.
Photo Tip: Capture the street’s perspective using a low-angle shot. Include foot traffic for scale and story.
10. Mount Vesuvius Backdrop
📍 Best viewed from multiple points—ideal from the Forum or Amphitheater.
The omnipresent volcano looms in the background throughout the city.
Photo Tip: Include people or ruins in the foreground for a layered composition that shows the scale of Vesuvius.
Extra Tips for Instagramming Pompeii
- Timing: Arrive early to avoid crowds and harsh light.
- Gear: Bring a lightweight tripod, extra batteries, and a polarizing filter.
- Hashtags: Use #Pompeii, #PompeiiRuins, #PompeiiPhotography, #HistoryLovers, and #TravelItaly.
- Respect: Stay on paths and follow photography rules, especially in interior spaces.
Map Overview
Include these coordinates in Google Maps to build your own custom route. Consider downloading offline maps as signal strength varies inside the archaeological site.