Shop VIII.4.39 Pompeii: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and In-Depth Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Shop VIII.4.39 and Its Historical Significance

Shop (VIII.4.39) in Pompeii invites visitors to step into the daily life and economic engine of an ancient Roman city frozen in time. Located within Regio VIII, along the bustling Via dell’Abbondanza, this modest taberna exemplifies the commercial and social networks that once thrived in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The city, founded by the Oscans and later flourishing as a Roman colony, was a dynamic urban center, home to up to 30,000 people and renowned for its sophisticated infrastructure, diverse economy, and vibrant culture. Today, the layers of volcanic ash that buried Pompeii preserve a remarkable record, allowing modern visitors to gain unprecedented insight into Roman urban life (History Tools; UNESCO).

Shop VIII.4.39 stands as a testament to the integral role of commerce in Pompeii’s daily life. Positioned near the forum—the heart of civic and economic activity—this shop likely sold common goods such as food, wine, or textiles, as indicated by archaeological remains including service counters, dolia (storage jars), and graffiti. Its placement among other workshops, taverns, and residences highlights Pompeii’s unique blend of commercial and domestic spaces (Nomad Epicureans; theexcavationsofpopeii.weebly.com).

This guide details the historical context of Shop VIII.4.39, practical information on visiting hours and tickets, accessibility, visitor facilities, and expert tips to enhance your experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, understanding the significance of this shop deepens your appreciation of Pompeii’s enduring legacy (Harvard White-Levy Project).

Pompeii’s Urban Development and Commercial Life

Origins and Growth

Pompeii’s origins trace to the 6th or 7th century BCE, founded by the Oscans. Its strategic position near the Sarno River and fertile Campanian plains propelled its growth as an agricultural and trade hub (History Tools). The city passed through Greek and Etruscan influence before becoming a Roman colony in 80 BCE. By the 1st century CE, Pompeii boasted a population of 20,000–30,000, a grid-patterned urban layout, advanced water and drainage systems, and a mix of grand public buildings and opulent private homes (UNESCO).

The Role of Shops

Commerce was central to Pompeii’s economy. Shops (tabernae) lined its streets, offering products from food and drink to textiles and crafts, catering to locals and visitors alike (Pompei.it). These shops typically occupied the ground floors of residential buildings, often doubling as workshops and living quarters. Archaeological finds—counters, storage vessels, and wall niches—reveal the variety of goods sold and the daily rhythms of ancient trade (UNESCO).


Shop VIII.4.39: Location, Features, and Social Context

Placement and Structure

Shop VIII.4.39 is located in Regio VIII, Insula 4, Doorway 39—near the southern edge of the forum and easily reached from main entrances such as Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro (Nomad Epicureans). Its street-facing façade would have attracted passing trade. Like many Pompeian tabernae, the shop featured a wide entrance, service counters, storage dolia, and rear rooms, possibly connected to residential quarters (pompeii.pictures).

Social and Economic Importance

Shops like VIII.4.39 were not just commercial spaces but hubs of social interaction. Graffiti and painted advertisements on shop walls and nearby buildings offer glimpses into the political, economic, and personal lives of Pompeii’s citizens (UNESCO). Proximity to laundries (fullonicae), taverns (cauponae), and workshops suggests that Shop VIII.4.39 may have been linked to the textile trade, a major industry in the district (academia.edu).


Archaeological Discoveries and Preservation

The eruption of 79 CE buried Pompeii, preserving shops and their contents in extraordinary detail. Excavations since the 18th century have uncovered architectural features, food remains, pottery, and even traces of daily life from Shop VIII.4.39 and its neighbors (History Tools). Conservation efforts focus on stabilizing structures and documenting artifacts, continually enriching our understanding of Roman commerce (Pompeiisites.org).


Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Opening Hours

  • Summer (April 1 – October 31): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
  • Winter (November 1 – March 31): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
  • Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25

Always check the official Pompeii website for the most up-to-date times.

Tickets

  • Standard Adult: Approx. €16
  • Reductions: EU citizens 18–25; free for EU residents under 18
  • Purchase: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues (ThePompeii.com), or at park entrances.
  • Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, with options to focus on commercial districts like Regio VIII.

Accessibility

Some areas of Pompeii feature uneven cobblestones and steps, but accessible routes cover key zones including the forum and commercial areas near Shop VIII.4.39. Wheelchair users should check official accessibility maps. Baby points are available at main entrances.


  • Use free maps from ticket offices or digital site maps (Visit Pompeii & Vesuvius).
  • Shop VIII.4.39 is near the Basilica and Sanctuary of Venus in the southern Forum.
  • Look for insula and doorway numbers marked on signage.

Facilities and Useful Tips

  • Restrooms at main entrances and near the Forum
  • Water fountains throughout the park
  • Limited shade – bring hats and sunscreen
  • No food outlets inside; dining available near main gates

Best times to visit: Early morning (opening) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) to avoid crowds and heat.

Duration: 15–20 minutes for the shop; allow 1–2 hours for the broader district.

Photography: Personal use is allowed (no flash or tripods without permission). Respect all barriers and site rules.


Enhancing Your Visit

  • Book guided tours for expert commentary on Shop VIII.4.39 and its role in Pompeii’s economy.
  • Bring or download a detailed guidebook or use audio guides.
  • For deeper context, explore studies on Pompeii’s textile and dyeing industry (academia.edu).

Responsible Tourism

  • Do not climb or touch ruins.
  • Stay on marked paths and respect preservation barriers.
  • Use refillable water bottles and minimize waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the visiting hours for Shop VIII.4.39?
Accessible during Pompeii’s opening hours; check the official website for updates.

Are tickets required?
Yes, included with the standard Pompeii archaeological park ticket.

Is Shop VIII.4.39 accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Accessible routes cover much of the area, but some terrain remains uneven.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, many include Shop VIII.4.39 and the commercial district.

Can I take photos?
Yes, for personal use; follow all posted restrictions.


Summary and Recommendations

Shop VIII.4.39 offers a direct connection to the bustling commercial and social life of ancient Pompeii. Its preserved features and archaeological context provide rare insights into Roman daily life, commerce, and urban planning. For an enriched visit, plan ahead by checking current hours, booking tickets online, and considering expert-led tours or audio guides. Respect the site’s fragility to ensure its preservation for future generations (Official Pompeii Site; UNESCO; Nomad Epicureans).


Sources and Further Reading


For the latest visitor updates and digital guides, download the Audiala app and follow Pompeii Archaeological Park’s social channels. Plan your journey into the commercial heart of ancient Rome and make the most of your time at Shop VIII.4.39.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Pompeii

Aedicula Tomb Of Publius Vesonius Phileros
Aedicula Tomb Of Publius Vesonius Phileros
Amphitheatre Of Pompeii
Amphitheatre Of Pompeii
Bakery (Ix.1.3)
Bakery (Ix.1.3)
Boar House
Boar House
Casa Del Forno
Casa Del Forno
Casa Del Menandro
Casa Del Menandro
|
  Casa Del Triclinio All'Aperto
| Casa Del Triclinio All'Aperto
Casa Della Nave Europa
Casa Della Nave Europa
Casa Della Regina Carolina (Viii 3.14)
Casa Della Regina Carolina (Viii 3.14)
Casa Di Diana
Casa Di Diana
Casa Di Ercole Ed Auge
Casa Di Ercole Ed Auge
Casa Di L. Aelius Magnus
Casa Di L. Aelius Magnus
Casa Di Marco Lucrezio Fronto
Casa Di Marco Lucrezio Fronto
Casa Di Pane
Casa Di Pane
Casa Di Stallius Eros
Casa Di Stallius Eros
Casa Di Trittolemo
Casa Di Trittolemo
Casa Senza Nome I.12.9.
Casa Senza Nome I.12.9.
Castellum Aquae
Castellum Aquae
Caupona Of Lucius Betutius (Vetutius) Placidus
Caupona Of Lucius Betutius (Vetutius) Placidus
Caupona (Vi.14.1)
Caupona (Vi.14.1)
Caupona (Viii.5.20)
Caupona (Viii.5.20)
Central Baths
Central Baths
Dye Shop Of Ubonius (Vii.2.11)
Dye Shop Of Ubonius (Vii.2.11)
Eumachia Building
Eumachia Building
Fabbrica Del Sapone
Fabbrica Del Sapone
Forum Baths, Pompeii
Forum Baths, Pompeii
Forum Granary
Forum Granary
Fullonica Of Sestius Venustus
Fullonica Of Sestius Venustus
Great Theatre Of Pompeii
Great Theatre Of Pompeii
Horticultural Plot (Viii.6.2)
Horticultural Plot (Viii.6.2)
Hotel?
Hotel?
House (Ix.10.1)
House (Ix.10.1)
House Of Cryptoporticus (I.6.2)
House Of Cryptoporticus (I.6.2)
House Of Julia Felix
House Of Julia Felix
House Of L. Caecilius Phoebus
House Of L. Caecilius Phoebus
House Of Leda And The Swan
House Of Leda And The Swan
House Of Mercurio (Vii.2.35)
House Of Mercurio (Vii.2.35)
House Of Octavius Quartio
House Of Octavius Quartio
House Of Pansa
House Of Pansa
House Of Pompeius Axiochus
House Of Pompeius Axiochus
House Of Sallust
House Of Sallust
House Of Severus
House Of Severus
House Of The Centenary
House Of The Centenary
House Of The Chaste Lovers
House Of The Chaste Lovers
House Of The Dioscuri  (Vi.9.6)
House Of The Dioscuri (Vi.9.6)
House Of The Faun
House Of The Faun
House Of The Lararium Of Achilles
House Of The Lararium Of Achilles
House Of The Large Fountain
House Of The Large Fountain
House Of The Painters At Work
House Of The Painters At Work
House Of The Prince Of Naples
House Of The Prince Of Naples
House Of The Quadrigae (Vii.2.25)
House Of The Quadrigae (Vii.2.25)
House Of The Silver Wedding
House Of The Silver Wedding
House Of The Surgeon
House Of The Surgeon
House Of The Wild Boar
House Of The Wild Boar
House Of Titus Terentius Neo
House Of Titus Terentius Neo
House Of Titus Terentius Proculus
House Of Titus Terentius Proculus
House Of Trebius Valens
House Of Trebius Valens
House (Viii.4.30)
House (Viii.4.30)
House (Viii.4.33)
House (Viii.4.33)
House (Viii.6.1)
House (Viii.6.1)
House (Viii.6.3)
House (Viii.6.3)
House (Viii.6.4)
House (Viii.6.4)
House (Viii.6.5)
House (Viii.6.5)
House (Viii.7.6)
House (Viii.7.6)
House With A Bakery (Vi.6.17)
House With A Bakery (Vi.6.17)
Inn Of The Gladiators
Inn Of The Gladiators
Little Theatre Of Pompeii
Little Theatre Of Pompeii
Lupanar
Lupanar
Macellum Of Pompeii
Macellum Of Pompeii
Mensa Ponderaria (Vii.7.31)
Mensa Ponderaria (Vii.7.31)
Necropolis Of Porta Nola
Necropolis Of Porta Nola
Officina Tinctoria Of Terentius
Officina Tinctoria Of Terentius
Palaestra Of The Iuvenes
Palaestra Of The Iuvenes
Pistrinum
Pistrinum
Pompeii Necropolis
Pompeii Necropolis
Pompeii Regio I Insula 10
Pompeii Regio I Insula 10
Pompeii Regio I Insula 9
Pompeii Regio I Insula 9
Pompeii Regio Viii Insula 2
Pompeii Regio Viii Insula 2
Porta Di Stabia
Porta Di Stabia
Porta Herculaneum
Porta Herculaneum
Porta Marina (Pompeii)
Porta Marina (Pompeii)
Porta Nocera Necropolis
Porta Nocera Necropolis
Porta Nola
Porta Nola
Porta Vesuvio
Porta Vesuvio
Porta Vesuvio Necropolis
Porta Vesuvio Necropolis
Public Administration Buildings
Public Administration Buildings
Region I Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region I Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Iii Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Iii Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Iv Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Iv Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Ix Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Ix Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region V Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region V Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Vi Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Vi Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Vii Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Vii Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Viii Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Region Viii Of The Archaeological Excavations Of Pompeii
Sarno Baths
Sarno Baths
Shop (Ix.2.2)
Shop (Ix.2.2)
Shop (Ix.2.3)
Shop (Ix.2.3)
Shop (Ix.6.F)
Shop (Ix.6.F)
Shop Of Aurelius
Shop Of Aurelius
Shop (Vi.10.10)
Shop (Vi.10.10)
Shop (Vi.10.12)
Shop (Vi.10.12)
Shop (Vi.14.15)
Shop (Vi.14.15)
Shop (Vi.8.13)
Shop (Vi.8.13)
Shop (Vii.5.25)
Shop (Vii.5.25)
Shop (Vii.5.3)
Shop (Vii.5.3)
Shop (Viii.4.19)
Shop (Viii.4.19)
Shop (Viii.4.20)
Shop (Viii.4.20)
Shop (Viii.4.21)
Shop (Viii.4.21)
Shop (Viii.4.25)
Shop (Viii.4.25)
Shop (Viii.4.39)
Shop (Viii.4.39)
Shop (Viii.5.25)
Shop (Viii.5.25)
Shop (Viii.5.30)
Shop (Viii.5.30)
Shop (Viii.6.8)
Shop (Viii.6.8)
Shop (Viii.7.11)
Shop (Viii.7.11)
Shop With Dwelling (Ii.3.8)
Shop With Dwelling (Ii.3.8)
Shop With Dwelling (Vii.4.22)
Shop With Dwelling (Vii.4.22)
Stabian Baths
Stabian Baths
Stable (Viii.4.42)
Stable (Viii.4.42)
Stables And Hospitium
Stables And Hospitium
Steps To Upper Floor (Vi.8.7)
Steps To Upper Floor (Vi.8.7)
Suburban Baths
Suburban Baths
Taberna Hedones (Vii.2.44)
Taberna Hedones (Vii.2.44)
Taberna Phoebi
Taberna Phoebi
Temple Of Apollo
Temple Of Apollo
Temple Of Asclepius
Temple Of Asclepius
Temple Of Jupiter
Temple Of Jupiter
The Garden Of The Fugitives
The Garden Of The Fugitives
Thermopolium
Thermopolium
Thermopolium (I.3.2)
Thermopolium (I.3.2)
Thermopolium (I.3.22)
Thermopolium (I.3.22)
Thermopolium I.7.8.
Thermopolium I.7.8.
Thermopolium (Vi.8.8)
Thermopolium (Vi.8.8)
Thermopolium (Vii.4.4)
Thermopolium (Vii.4.4)
Tomb Of Aesquillia Polla
Tomb Of Aesquillia Polla
Tomb Of Caius Vestorius Priscus
Tomb Of Caius Vestorius Priscus
Tomb Of Eumachia
Tomb Of Eumachia
Tomb Of Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius Maius
Tomb Of Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius Maius
Tomb Of Lucius Barbidius Communis And Pithia Rufilla, Acris, Aulus Dentatius Fortunatus, Aulus Dentatius Felix, Aulo Dentatio A. L. Celso, Pompeia Aucta, L. Barbidio Vitali, Vitalis, Ianuarius
Tomb Of Lucius Barbidius Communis And Pithia Rufilla, Acris, Aulus Dentatius Fortunatus, Aulus Dentatius Felix, Aulo Dentatio A. L. Celso, Pompeia Aucta, L. Barbidio Vitali, Vitalis, Ianuarius
Tomb Of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus
Tomb Of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus
Tomb Of Marcus Alleius Minius
Tomb Of Marcus Alleius Minius
Tomb Of Marcus Obellius Firmus
Tomb Of Marcus Obellius Firmus
Tomb Of Marcus Tullius
Tomb Of Marcus Tullius
Tomb Of Marcus Veius Marcellus
Tomb Of Marcus Veius Marcellus
Tomb Of Publius Flavius Philoxsenus And Flavia Agathea
Tomb Of Publius Flavius Philoxsenus And Flavia Agathea
Tomba Delle Ghirlande
Tomba Delle Ghirlande
Torre Di Mercurio
Torre Di Mercurio
Triangular Forum
Triangular Forum
Villa Delle Colonne A Mosaico
Villa Delle Colonne A Mosaico
Villa Of Diomedes
Villa Of Diomedes
Villa Of The Mysteries
Villa Of The Mysteries
Workshop
Workshop
Workshop And Stable Yard
Workshop And Stable Yard
Workshop (I.3.7)
Workshop (I.3.7)
Workshop Of Verus The Blacksmith
Workshop Of Verus The Blacksmith