Tomb Of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus

Tomb of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus, Pompeii: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Tomb of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus, set within the Porta Nocera Necropolis just outside Pompeii’s ancient city walls, is a remarkable testament to Roman funerary customs, civic pride, and social hierarchy. Pompeii, world-renowned for its preservation beneath Mount Vesuvius’s ash in 79 CE, boasts a network of necropoleis—cemeteries where the city’s citizens commemorated their dead with monuments that blend architecture, inscription, and landscape.

This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the tomb, including its historical and social context, architectural features, visiting logistics, and practical travel tips. Whether you’re planning a visit or seeking to deepen your understanding of Roman culture, this article provides everything you need for a rewarding experience at one of Pompeii’s most evocative sites. (Pompeii in Pictures, Pompeii Archaeological Park, Pompeii UK, Helen on Her Holidays)

Introduction
Discovery and Location
Architectural Features
Inscriptions and Social Significance
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Visitor Experience and Site Navigation
Responsible Tourism and Conservation
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Discovery and Location

The Tomb of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus is catalogued as Tomb 32EN in the Porta Nocera Necropolis, southeast of Pompeii’s center. Located along the Via delle Tombe near the Nocera Gate (Porta Nocera) and adjacent to Tower III, the tomb’s prominent setting ensured visibility for both ancient passersby and modern visitors. Excavations in the 20th century, led by D’Ambrosio and De Caro, mapped and documented the necropolis in detail, highlighting its importance as a prestigious burial area. (Pompeii in Pictures, Pompeii in Pictures - Walls, Death in Pompeii)

Architectural Features

Structure and Layout

Tomb 32EN is characteristic of elite Roman funerary monuments from the 1st century CE. The structure follows the aedicula type—a shrine-like form with a façade, columns or pilasters, and a pediment. Its enclosure is marked by two lava cippi (stone markers), and the tomb stands near the city walls, providing both a symbolic and literal connection between the world of the living and the dead. The necropolis as a whole displays considerable variety, with tombs of different sizes and styles reflecting Pompeii’s diverse populace. (Pompeii in Pictures - Plan, Rome Art Lover)

Decorative Elements

While Sandilianus’s tomb does not have the elaborate sculpture seen in some neighboring monuments, it likely featured decorative stucco and painted inscriptions. Portrait busts and floral motifs were common in the necropolis, serving both as personal memorials and as public statements of status.

The identification of this tomb is supported by a Latin inscription on one of the cippi, publicly decreeing the allocation of the tomb plot:

L(uci) SEPVNI L(uci) F(ili) SANDIL[ia]N[i] IN FRONTEM P(edes) XX IN AGR(um) P(edes) XX PVBLICEDATVM EX D(ecreto) D(ecurionum).

This marks the tomb as belonging to Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus, a duumvir (magistrate) noted for his civic benefactions. Another famous inscription associated with Sandilianus, found on a stone bench with a sundial in Pompeii’s Triangular Forum, commemorates his and Marcus Herennius Epidianus’s funding of public amenities:

“Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus, son of Lucius, and Marcus Herennius Epidianus, son of Aulus, duumvirs with judiciary authority, caused the seat and sundial to be made at their own expense.”
(Pompeii in Pictures - Inscription)

These inscriptions illuminate the Roman practice of euergetism—elite sponsorship of public works for lasting remembrance. The tomb’s placement and epigraphic evidence underscore the intertwined nature of personal legacy and civic identity in Pompeii. (Rome Art Lover)

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Opening Hours

April–October: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
November–March: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
Note: Hours may change during holidays or for restoration. Always verify on the official Pompeii website before your visit.

Tickets

General Admission: Approximately €16 for adults.
Discounts: Reduced rates for EU citizens aged 18–25; free for children under 18.
Where to Buy: Online in advance (recommended) or at site ticket offices.
Guided Tours: Available at entrances and through official providers. For a self-guided experience, download the Audiala app or similar audio guides.
COVID-19: Timed entry and nominative tickets may apply.

Accessibility

The necropolis paths are mostly flat but consist of gravel and ancient stones—some uneven sections may challenge those with mobility issues.
Limited wheelchair accessibility; check official accessibility info in advance.
No restrooms or cafes in the necropolis; nearest facilities are at park entrances.

Maps: Obtain at the entrance or download beforehand. Tombs are numbered; Tomb 32EN is clearly marked on plans (Pompeii in Pictures).
Footwear & Weather: Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection—there is little shade.
Photography: Permitted for personal use; drones and tripods require permission.
Timing: Early morning or late afternoon visits offer a quieter, more comfortable experience.
Duration: Allocate 1–2 hours to explore the necropolis and Tomb 32EN.

Responsible Tourism and Conservation

Preservation is paramount at Pompeii. Stay on designated paths, do not enter tomb enclosures or touch inscriptions, and dispose of litter responsibly. The Pompeii Sustainable Preservation Project (PSPP) manages ongoing restoration, including at Tomb 32EN, ensuring continued public access while safeguarding heritage. (Pompeii Sustainable Preservation Project)

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Combine Your Visit: Explore the nearby Amphitheater, Garden of the Fugitives, or other necropoleis (Porta Ercolano, Porta Stabia) for a broader perspective.
Facilities: Bring water; drinking fountains are scarce inside the necropolis.
Interpretation: Onsite signage is limited; guided tours or audio guides are recommended for context.
Safety: Watch for uneven ground; supervise children closely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours for the Porta Nocera Necropolis?
A: Typically 9:00 AM–7:30 PM (April–October), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (November–March). Confirm on the official website.

Q: Is entry included with a Pompeii ticket?
A: Yes, access to the necropolis is covered by the general admission ticket.

Q: Is the necropolis wheelchair accessible?
A: Partially. Some paths are relatively flat but uneven. Consult official guidance before visiting.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, for personal use. Commercial photography requires permission.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes—book at entrances or online; audio guides are also available.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Tomb of Lucius Sepunius Sandilianus is a powerful window into Pompeii’s ancient world, demonstrating the interplay of memory, status, and civic duty. Its well-preserved architecture and inscriptions offer unique insight into Roman funerary practice and elite identity. With integrated ticketing, accessible routes, and knowledgeable guides, the site is an essential stop for anyone exploring Pompeii’s archaeological wonders.

Respect site guidelines, prepare for the terrain, and take advantage of interpretive resources to ensure your experience is both meaningful and responsible. Ongoing conservation efforts make your visit not just an act of discovery, but also a contribution to the preservation of world heritage.

Sources and Further Reading

For enhanced exploration, consider downloading the Audiala app for guided tours, and follow official social media channels for updates and special events.