Porta Nocera
Porta Nocera, an ancient southeastern gate of Pompeii, leads to a well-preserved necropolis and poignant plaster casts of eruption victims.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Porta Nocera
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Porta Nocera, an ancient southeastern gate of Pompeii, leads to a well-preserved necropolis and poignant plaster casts of eruption victims.
"A well-preserved ancient gate and a gateway to a significant necropolis."
🚶♀️ Explore the Necropolis
Don't miss the ancient tombs; they hold fascinating stories and are less crowded than main sites.
🏛️ Appreciate the Gate
Porta Nocera is well-preserved, offering a great photo opportunity and historical context.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Porta Nocera Gate
Southeast of Pompeii ruins
A well-preserved ancient gate, once the main route to Nocera, offering a historical entryway.

Necropolis of Porta Nocera
Adjacent to Porta Nocera
An ancient Roman cemetery with tombs revealing stories of love, power, and mystery.
Plaster Casts of Victims
Near Porta Nocera
Poignant plaster casts of eruption victims, a somber reminder of the tragedy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore the Necropolis
Understand the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Necropolis
Don't miss the ancient tombs; they hold fascinating stories and are less crowded than main sites.
🏛️ Appreciate the Gate
Porta Nocera is well-preserved, offering a great photo opportunity and historical context.
😢 See the Plaster Casts
The casts of victims near Porta Nocera are a powerful and moving sight.
🗺️ Use a Map
Porta Nocera is a bit off the main path; a map helps navigate to this historical gem.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Necropolis
Don't miss the ancient tombs; they hold fascinating stories and are less crowded than main sites.
🏛️ Appreciate the Gate
Porta Nocera is well-preserved, offering a great photo opportunity and historical context.
😢 See the Plaster Casts
The casts of victims near Porta Nocera are a powerful and moving sight.
🗺️ Use a Map
Porta Nocera is a bit off the main path; a map helps navigate to this historical gem.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Porta Nocera to be a well-preserved ancient gate and a gateway to a significant necropolis. While some appreciate its historical value and the poignant plaster casts, others note it's a bit off the beaten path. It's considered a worthwhile exploration for those seeking a deeper understanding of Pompeii's history beyond the main attractions.
"Very nice gate. Close to the Nekropolis, near the famous Orto dei Fuggiaschi"
Balian2483
"The Nocera Gate is located southeast of the wall. It was built in the 4th century BCE and later renovated. It served as the route to Nocera.
Later, the street level was lowered. Excavation dates: 1799; 1814; 1952; 1954; 1984."
Jose C Poveda
"Porta Nocera is quite well preserved because several restoration works have been carried out."
Beatriz MV
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porta Nocera is located in the southeastern part of the Pompeii archaeological site. It's accessible by walking from the main entrances, often following paths that skirt the ancient city walls. Many visitors reach it after exploring the amphitheater area.
While not as central as the Forum or Amphitheater, Porta Nocera is well-signposted. Following the signs towards the necropolis or the southeastern exit will lead you there.
Many visitors approach Porta Nocera after seeing the amphitheater, walking along the ancient tombs. This offers a scenic route and a gradual immersion into the site's history.
Private vehicles are not allowed within the Pompeii archaeological site. You'll need to park outside the site and walk in.
The nearest public transport hubs are the Pompeii Scavi and Pompei stations. From there, it's a walk to the archaeological site entrance, and then further walking to Porta Nocera.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Porta Nocera and its adjacent necropolis are included in the general admission ticket for the Pompeii archaeological site.
Porta Nocera follows the general opening hours of the Pompeii archaeological site. These can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official website before your visit.
The plaster casts of victims found near Porta Nocera are part of the main archaeological site and do not require a separate ticket or fee.
Yes, booking your Pompeii tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
Many guided tours of Pompeii include Porta Nocera and the necropolis. Inquire with tour operators or consider hiring a licensed guide on-site.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Porta Nocera itself is a well-preserved ancient gate. Adjacent to it is a significant necropolis with ancient Roman tombs and an area displaying poignant plaster casts of eruption victims.
Absolutely! The necropolis offers a unique perspective on Roman burial practices and is often less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience.
These are casts made from the voids left in the ash by the bodies of victims of the Vesuvius eruption. They offer a powerful and moving glimpse into the human tragedy.
Allow at least 30-60 minutes to explore Porta Nocera and its necropolis thoroughly, especially if you want to examine the tombs and casts.
Restrooms and water fountains are available within the larger Pompeii site, though they might be a short walk from Porta Nocera itself. Check the site map for exact locations.
📸 📸 Photography
The gate itself, the ancient tombs in the necropolis, and the plaster casts offer compelling photographic opportunities. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
Photography is generally allowed within the Pompeii archaeological site, including Porta Nocera and the necropolis. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts.
A versatile camera that handles both wide shots of the gate and detailed shots of the tombs would be ideal. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also sufficient.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within the Pompeii archaeological site to preserve the ruins and ensure visitor safety.
Commercial filming and professional photography often require special permits. For personal use, standard photography rules apply.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be spread out. Make it an adventure by turning the exploration of the necropolis into a 'treasure hunt' for interesting tomb inscriptions or architectural details. A good map is essential to keep younger explorers on track.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Recommendation: Consider downloading an offline map of Pompeii or using a dedicated app that provides historical context for the sites you encounter. Engaging with a local guide for a portion of your visit can also enrich your understanding of the historical significance of Porta Nocera and its surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Necropolis of Porta Nocera: A Glimpse into Roman Afterlife
Many of these tombs contain inscriptions that provide invaluable historical data, detailing the names of the deceased, their family relationships, and sometimes even their professions or achievements. These inscriptions are crucial for archaeologists and historians piecing together the social fabric of ancient Pompeii. The preservation of these structures, thanks to the volcanic ash, allows us to study Roman funerary architecture and customs in remarkable detail.
Among the most poignant discoveries in this area are the plaster casts of victims. These casts, made from the voids left in the hardened ash by the bodies of those who perished during the eruption, capture the final moments of individuals and animals. Seeing these forms evokes a powerful sense of empathy and serves as a stark reminder of the human tragedy that befell the city.
Porta Nocera: A Strategic Gateway and Historical Route
The gate's preservation is notable, attributed to extensive restoration efforts undertaken over the years. These efforts have ensured that Porta Nocera remains a tangible link to Pompeii's past, allowing visitors to visualize the flow of traffic and trade that once passed through its archway. Its proximity to the necropolis further underscores its role as a transition point between the living city and the realm of the departed.
Today, Porta Nocera serves not only as a historical monument but also as an entry point to a less-explored yet deeply significant part of the Pompeii site. It offers a less crowded alternative to the main attractions, providing a more intimate encounter with the ancient world. The gate's enduring presence is a testament to the resilience of ancient architecture and the continuous efforts to preserve these invaluable historical remnants.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit