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These Modern-Day Photographs Highlight Why, Centuries Later, Pompeii Still Attracts Throngs of Tourists and Archaeologists

The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius froze the ancient Roman city in time, giving modern-day humans a remarkable vision into the past

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Opener
Installed in 2013, Igor Mitoraj’s “Centauro” sculpture stands in the Forum of Pompeii. Pavitra Krishnamani, 2019

These Modern-Day Photographs Highlight Why, Centuries Later, Pompeii Still Attracts Throngs of Tourists and Archaeologists

The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius froze the ancient Roman city in time, giving modern-day humans a remarkable vision into the past

Photographs selected by Quentin Nardi

Opener
Installed in 2013, Igor Mitoraj’s “Centauro” sculpture stands in the Forum of Pompeii. Pavitra Krishnamani, 2019
When the city of Pompeii, buried for centuries, was first excavated by archaeologists in the 18th century, it served as a window into the past. Today, the Roman city, considered the most continually excavated site in the world, still teaches us about the ancient civilization. The town, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 C.E., attracted four million visitors in 2024, and it hosts dozens of historical projects and digs each year. Although many details about the city and its residents have been uncovered, much remains unknown. Pompeii’s beauty, mystery and tragic end have made it a must-see destination for many, including photographers who have entered the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest. Take a look.
ancient Roman city
Tourists visit the ancient Roman city, where arches, columns and walls still stand, as the peak of Mount Vesuvius looms miles away. Brian Wong, 2025
Some streets
Some streets in Pompeii are so well preserved, walking them is almost like stepping back in time.
  Chelsea Morrow, 2019
This plaster cast
This plaster cast of someone who died during the destruction of Pompeii is often referred to as “the sleeping man.” Trey Jablinske, 2019
The brightly painted walls
The brightly painted walls of this site, believed to be a private residence, are evidence that Pompeii’s citizens appreciated elements of interior design. Andy Anderson, 2019
Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1997) and the world’s largest, longest-excavated archaeological site.  Carmen Dan Vegh, 2022
Animals
Animals were a regular inspiration for artists in Pompeii. Depictions of pets, sea creatures and wildlife can be found in floor mosaics, sculptures and wall frescoes. Sofija Grupche, 2013
A street in Pompeii
A street in Pompeii, a city of about 165 acres, glistens following a rainstorm. Donnye Winship, 2013
head coverings
It’s easy to imagine ancient Romans walking the streets of Pompeii wearing head coverings, just as this tourist is, to shield them from the sun. Mauricio Serrano, 2016
Forum Baths
Tourists walk through the Forum Baths, illuminated by the sun. Kelsey Koon, 2009
intricate pattern
Stones along a path are arranged in an intricate pattern.   Rosemary Davis, 2019
A bust of Jupiter
A bust of Jupiter sits in the center of a temple.   David Garcia, 2010
2,000 people perished
An estimated 2,000 people perished in Pompeii after the volcano’s eruption. Around 1,200 have been found. Amy Marques, 2011
sculptor Igor Mitoraj
In the 2010s, sculptor Igor Mitoraj installed several statues throughout the city, including this likeness of Daedalus at its exit. Sergey Vetoshkin, 2020

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

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