Santuario di Apollo

In a sacred site on the corner of Via Marina and the Forum we find the temple dedicated to the god Apollo. This cult was of Greek origin and spread as a source of worship among the Italic peoples through the Greek colonies in this part of Italy.The cult had probably been present in Pompeii ever since the town was founded in the 6th century B.C., as is suggested by the fragments of Attic and Corinthian pottery and the remains of Etruscan bowls found during archaeological excavations.Interest in the cult of Apollo began to dwindle in Pompeii in the 5th century B.C. but the ancient temple survived for a further 3 centuries before being replaced by a new structure erected on a podium built inside a portico with 48 columns of tuff stone quarried in the nearby town of Nuceria (Nocera).The temple was surrounded by Corinthian columns with a travertine stone altar at the foot of the long flight of stairs and a sun dial slightly to one side. During the reign of the Emperor Nero after the earthquake of 62 A.D. the columns and trabeation were embellished with stucco work, only a few remains of which are now visible.The doors leading from the temple directly into the Forum were closed when the townspeople's cult interest passed to the Temple of Jupiter, which was later transformed into the Capitolium, and niches were built in their place, as can still be seen. Statues of divinities stood around the portico but those on view today are copies. To the right of the long side of the portico we find the bronze statue of Apollo with a bow and arrow opposite a bust of Diana. Alongside the columns marking the entrance to the temple stood two statues: Venus and a small altar on one side and an Hermaphrodite on the other.

The Santuario di Apollo at Pompeii is a mesmerizing ode to Roman religion and culture, dedicated to the revered god of music, prophecy, and healing. This enchanting sanctuary features a stunning courtyard adorned with graceful columns and vibrant mosaics that create an inviting atmosphere, filled with a sense of divine inspiration. The intricate remnants of altars and statues whisper of ancient rituals once performed here, connecting visitors to the spiritual essence of the past. As you stand within its hallowed grounds, you can almost hear the echoes of prayers and songs that once filled the air, evoking a profound appreciation for the artistry and devotion of Pompeii's inhabitants. A visit to the Santuario di Apollo is a journey into the heart of ancient spirituality, where beauty and reverence entwine seamlessly.

The Temple of Apollo Very interesting to visit and it is a must

Amazing place. So large. Really need more than one day to take the whole place in. An afternoon is just not enough. Bring your own water. Restrooms can be a ways away.

I loved walking the streets and seeing the historic Roman Ruins. As I was walking I could envision crowded street with women tending to their children, men taking care of business and hear the Roman chariots coming through the streets. It was truly a highlight during my tour of Italy. Our tour guide Roberto was an excellent story teller.

Pompeii (/pɒmˈpeɪi/) was an ancient Romancity near modern Naples in the Campaniaregion of Italy, in the territory of the comuneof Pompei. Pompeii, along with Herculaneumand many villas in the surrounding area (e.g. at Boscoreale, Stabiae), was buried under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) of volcanic ash and pumicein the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Volcanic ash typically buried inhabitants who did not escape the lethal effects of the earthquake and eruption. Largely preserved under the ash, the excavated city offers a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen at the moment it was buried and providing an extraordinarily detailed insight into the everyday life of its inhabitants. Organic remains, including wooden objects and human bodies, were entombed in the ash and decayed away, making natural molds; and excavators used these to make plaster casts, unique and often gruesome figures from the last minutes of the catastrophe. The numerous graffiti carved on the walls and inside rooms provides a wealth of examples of the largely lost Vulgar Latinspoken colloquially, contrasting with the formal language of the classical writers. Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Sitestatus and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, with approximately 2.5 million visitors every year. Excavations recommenced in several unexplored areas of the city, and in 2018 new discoveries were reported.

I loved visiting Pompeii. Better than Machu Picchu in my opinion because that was largely built after the fact and had only a few original stones, so it was pretty much fake! But here, although they went to great lengths rebuilding the city they excavated, they found many interesting artifacts so we know the lifestyles of the inhabitants. You must go see the carbonized seeds and fruits in the National Archeological Museum in Naples!

The Santuario di Apollo in Pompeii is known for housing the "Seikilos epitaph," one of the earliest known musical compositions in Western music history. This inscription, engraved on a tombstone within the sanctuary, includes both lyrics and musical notation. It offers insights into ancient musical practices and reminds us of the enduring power of music across time.