
Shop IX.2.2 Pompeii: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tourist Guide to Pompeii’s Historical Sites
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction to Shop IX.2.2 in Pompeii and Its Historical Significance
Pompeii, Italy, is renowned as one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites, preserving an unparalleled snapshot of Roman urban life, abruptly halted by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Among Pompeii’s many features, its network of commercial shops, or tabernae, provides vital clues about the city’s economic vibrancy and social dynamics. Shop IX.2.2, situated in Regio IX, Insula 2, stands as a prime example of these bustling ancient retail spaces. This guide explores Shop IX.2.2’s historical context, architectural details, key archaeological findings, and its significance within Pompeii’s commercial landscape.
For travelers planning a visit, this article provides current information on site accessibility, visiting hours, ticket options, and sustainable tourism practices. It also offers practical advice for navigating Pompeii’s archaeological park, transportation options, and suggestions for nearby attractions to enrich your experience.
For the latest updates on tickets, hours, and guided tours, consult the official Pompeii Archaeological Park website (pompeiisites.org) and trusted travel resources (Helen on Her Holidays).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Location and Historical Context of Shop IX.2.2
- Shop Typology, Layout, and Construction Techniques
- Archaeological Discoveries and Artifacts
- Ongoing Construction at the Time of Eruption
- Water Supply and Sanitation in Pompeii
- Commerce and Residential Life Integration
- Preservation, Conservation, and Sustainable Tourism
- Visitor Information
- Nearby Attractions
- Photography and Visual Media
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Call to Action
1. Visiting Shop IX.2.2 in Pompeii: Hours, Tickets, and Historical Insights
Location and Historical Context
Shop IX.2.2 is located in Regio IX, Insula 2—one of Pompeii’s most active commercial and residential quarters, bordered by major streets such as Via di Nola, Via Stabiana, and Via dell’Abbondanza (archaeologymag.com). Its central location made it ideal for trade and daily commerce, serving residents and visitors alike.
Shop Typology and Layout
Typical Pompeian tabernae like Shop IX.2.2 featured:
- Street-facing entrances with wide doorways, often fitted with wooden shutters or doors.
- Sales counters (bancus) close to the entrance for direct customer interaction.
- Rear workspaces or storage, sometimes doubling as living quarters for shopkeepers (thearchaeologist.org).
- Integration with residential buildings, reflecting the close-knit nature of commerce and daily life in Pompeii.
Construction Materials and Techniques
Roman construction in Shop IX.2.2 involved:
- Walls of local tuff stone, bricks, and opus incertum.
- Floors of beaten earth, cocciopesto, or mosaics in wealthier establishments.
- Roofs with terracotta tiles and wooden beams, with evidence of renovations at the time of the eruption (archaeologymag.com).
- Façades often decorated with painted advertisements or graffiti.
Archaeological Highlights
Key findings at Shop IX.2.2 include:
- Lead weights, iron tools, and standardized measures for commerce and construction (tsfx.edu.au).
- Amphorae and dolia for storage, as well as remnants of shelving and masonry counters (thearchaeologist.org).
- Graffiti and inscriptions offering insights into daily business and social life.
Ongoing Construction at the Eruption
At the moment of Vesuvius’ eruption:
- Stacks of building materials and tools were found in situ, indicating active renovations (archaeologymag.com).
- Unfinished walls and scaffolding holes suggest expansion or repair was underway.
Water Supply and Sanitation
Pompeii’s advanced urban infrastructure benefited shops:
- Over 40 public fountains provided water; shops accessed these or private cisterns (tsfx.edu.au).
- Drainage systems routed wastewater into the city’s sewers, maintaining urban hygiene.
Commerce and Residential Integration
Many shopkeepers lived on-site or in connected upper-floor quarters, with some shops forming part of larger homes (domus), reflecting Pompeii’s mixed-use urban model (tsfx.edu.au).
Preservation and Conservation
The eruption’s ash preserved masonry, tools, and even organic remains. Modern conservation focuses on structural stability, fresco protection, and managing high visitor traffic (thearchaeologist.org; tsfx.edu.au).
2. Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
- Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (April–October), and 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (November–March). Last entry is usually 1–1.5 hours before closing.
- Tickets: Purchase online or at the site. Prices and eligibility for reduced or free tickets may vary—visit the official Pompeii website for the latest details.
- Guided Tours & Audio Guides: Enhance your visit by booking official tours or renting audio guides covering Shop IX.2.2 and other highlights.
Accessibility
- Main routes have been made wheelchair accessible, but some areas—including parts of Shop IX.2.2—may remain challenging due to uneven terrain (Ecobnb).
- The “Pompeii for All” path is designed for visitors with mobility challenges.
Getting There
- By Train: Circumvesuviana line from Naples or Sorrento to Pompeii Scavi station.
- By Car: Via the A3 motorway; parking available near entrances.
- By Bus or Tour: Various options from Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
On-Site Services
- Restrooms and Cafés: Available near main entrances and the Forum (Helen on Her Holidays).
- Shaded areas are limited—bring water, sunscreen, and a hat (World Travel Connector).
Sustainable Tourism and Conservation
Pompeii employs several measures to balance tourism with preservation:
- Timed entry and visitor caps, especially on free-entry days, to reduce wear on fragile sites (Helen on Her Holidays).
- “House of the Day” program rotates access to lesser-visited sites like Shop IX.2.2.
- Visitor guidelines: Stay on marked paths, don’t touch artifacts, and avoid removing anything from the site (Europe Facts and Details).
- Digital initiatives: The “My Pompeii” app provides self-guided tours and site information (The Gen X Travels).
Nearby Attractions
Complement your visit to Shop IX.2.2 with these sites:
- Forum of Pompeii
- House of the Faun
- Via dell’Abbondanza
- Amphitheatre
- Villa of the Mysteries
- House of the Vettii
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a separate ticket for Shop IX.2.2?
A: No, Shop IX.2.2 is accessible with your standard Pompeii Archaeological Park ticket.
Q: Are guided tours available for Shop IX.2.2?
A: Yes, many tours include Regio IX and Shop IX.2.2. Audio guides and official tours are available at the entrance.
Q: Is Shop IX.2.2 wheelchair accessible?
A: Partial accessibility; check the park’s official accessibility information for specific routes.
Q: Can I photograph inside Shop IX.2.2?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is allowed; tripods and drones require permission (Nomad Epicureans).
4. Practical Tips for Visiting Shop IX.2.2
- Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and midday heat (World Travel Connector).
- Wear sturdy shoes due to uneven stone streets.
- Bring water and sun protection; shaded areas are limited.
- Use digital guides like the “My Pompeii” app for navigation and information.
5. Summary Table: Key Features of Shop IX.2.2
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Location | Regio IX, Insula 2, central Pompeii |
Layout | Street-facing entrance, sales counter, rear workspace/living area |
Construction Materials | Tuff stone, brick, opus incertum, terracotta tiles |
Key Artifacts | Lead weights, iron tools, amphorae, dolia, shelving |
Water & Sanitation | Access to public fountains, city drainage |
Preservation | Ash-preserved masonry and organic remains |
Recent Discoveries | Evidence of ongoing construction at eruption |
6. Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
- Follow marked paths to protect ancient mosaics and frescoes.
- Respect conservation rules—do not touch or remove artifacts.
- Dispose of waste responsibly; use recycling bins provided (Ecobnb).
- Support local economy by using official guides and local services (Pompeii Archaeological Park).
7. Conclusion and Call to Action
Shop IX.2.2 offers a fascinating window into the commercial life of ancient Pompeii, illustrating the city’s integration of commerce, residence, and urban planning. By preparing with up-to-date information on visiting hours, tickets, and accessibility, and by following sustainable visitor practices, you can help preserve this extraordinary heritage for future generations.
For comprehensive planning and the latest updates, consult the official Pompeii Archaeological Park website, download the “My Pompeii” app, and consider exploring related sites and resources. Enhance your journey with guided tours, digital guides, and immersive virtual content. Share your experiences and help raise awareness of Pompeii’s ongoing preservation efforts.
References and Further Reading
- Pompeii Archaeological Park
- Archaeology Magazine
- Lighthouse MQ
- Helen on Her Holidays
- The Archaeologist
- TSFX
- Ecobnb
- World Travel Connector
- The Gen X Travels
- Europe Facts and Details
- Nomad Epicureans
- Krista the Explorer
- Cultured Voyages
- Monuments and Sights