Tomb Of Marcus Obellius Firmus

Visiting the Tomb of Marcus Obellius Firmus in Pompeii, Italy: Tickets, Hours, and Expert Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Tomb of Marcus Obellius Firmus, located just outside Pompeii’s ancient city walls in the Porta Nola Necropolis, is a striking testament to Roman funerary culture, elite status, and the urban history of the 1st century CE. As one of the most impressive and well-preserved funerary monuments in Pompeii, it provides visitors with a tangible link to the social hierarchies, burial rituals, and civic pride of the ancient city.

This detailed guide covers the tomb’s historical significance, architectural features, archaeological discoveries, and all the practical information needed for a rewarding visit—including tickets, opening hours, accessibility, and travel tips. Whether you are a history enthusiast, archaeology buff, or a first-time traveler to Pompeii, exploring the Tomb of Marcus Obellius Firmus will deepen your appreciation for the city’s enduring legacy.

For up-to-date details on tickets and hours, consult the official Pompeii Archaeological Park resources (Pompeii UK, Pompeii Sites, Official Pompeii Archaeological Park).

The Obellii Family and Their Legacy

Marcus Obellius Firmus was a prominent magistrate in Pompeii, holding esteemed offices such as aedile and duumvir iure dicundo. His family, the Obellii, enjoyed significant social and political influence, reflected in the tomb’s scale and rich decoration. Inscriptions on the tomb highlight his achievements and the respect he commanded within both urban and rural communities, which contributed generously to his funeral rites. These honors illuminate the close connections between elite families and the broader Pompeian society (pompeii.uk).

Funerary Practices in 1st Century Pompeii

The tomb provides valuable insights into Roman burial customs. Cremation was the dominant practice among Pompeii’s elite, as evidenced by cremation urns, glass cinerary vessels, and remains of funerary beds discovered in the tomb’s precinct. Ritual use of frankincense and perfumes, mentioned in inscriptions and corroborated by archaeological finds, played a vital role in purification and honoring the deceased.

The Necropolis at Porta Nola

Strategically located outside the city’s Porta Nola gate, the necropolis was reserved for Pompeii’s distinguished citizens. The tomb’s placement ensured visibility along a major road, reinforcing the deceased’s social status and the family’s prominence. After the AD 62 earthquake, the necropolis underwent significant reorganization, with new tombs constructed and infrastructure improved, reflecting continuous civic investment (pompeii.uk).

Architectural Features

Location and Setting

The Tomb of Marcus Obellius Firmus sits along the Via dei Sepolcri, near the Herculaneum and Porta Nola gates, in a prestigious burial ground. Its location along a main thoroughfare not only facilitated public remembrance but also adhered to Roman laws forbidding burials within city boundaries (Pompeii Sites).

Structure and Design

Constructed from durable volcanic tufa and travertine, the tomb features a rectangular podium supporting a cylindrical drum, once crowned by a conical roof. This design, inspired by Hellenistic and Roman mausolea, embodied both strength and elegance (Pompeii in Pictures).

Decorative Elements

Rich architectural moldings, pilasters, and cornices adorned the façade. Although the original sculpted portrait bust of Marcus Obellius Firmus is lost, its base remains. Reliefs depicting funerary banquets, garlands, and rosettes evoke themes of memory, honor, and the afterlife. Traces of stucco and colored paint reveal that the tomb was once vividly decorated (Pompeii in Pictures).

Archaeological Discoveries and Research

Excavations and Findings

First systematically excavated in the 19th century and further explored in recent decades, the tomb has yielded cremation urns, pottery, glass vessels, and personal ornaments—evidence of both the Obellii’s status and Roman burial traditions. The Porta Nola Necropolis Project and collaboration with the British School at Rome continue to reveal new aspects of funerary culture and urban development after the AD 62 earthquake (pompeii.uk; Cambridge.org).

Inscriptions and Epigraphy

A key Latin inscription on the tomb’s façade identifies Marcus Obellius Firmus and attests to his role as duumvir, providing insight into Pompeii’s civic structure and elite commemorative practices (Pompeii in Pictures).

Visiting the Tomb: Practical Information

Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Times (2025):
- 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: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and occasionally May 1 (Helen on Her Holidays)
Tickets:
- Standard adult tickets are approximately €16, with discounts for EU citizens aged 18–25 and free entry for children under 18.
- Tickets are available via the official Pompeii website and main entrances.
- Advance booking is strongly recommended during peak seasons (The Geographical Cure).
Artecard:
- The Campania Artecard offers combined access to Pompeii and other key sites (Helen on Her Holidays).

Entrances: Main park entrances are Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, and Piazza Anfiteatro.
Route: From the entrances, follow maps or the official Pompeii app northeast toward Porta Nola.
Distance: Expect a 1–1.5 km walk along uneven ancient roads (Helen on Her Holidays).
Signage: Signage can be limited—obtain a detailed map or use a mobile navigation app.

Accessibility and Facilities

Terrain: The necropolis and tomb area have uneven ancient stone roads, making wheelchair access challenging. “Pompeii for All” routes improve accessibility in some areas, but not at the Porta Nola Necropolis (Pompeiisites.org).
Facilities: Restrooms are available at the main entrances, but not at the necropolis.
Shade and Water: Minimal, so bring water, sun protection, and snacks.

Safety and Visitor Etiquette

Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes.
Weather: Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F); bring hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas (Helen on Her Holidays).
Conduct: Do not touch, climb, or sit on the monument. Use designated bins for waste (Untold Italy); maintain a respectful demeanor in the necropolis.

Guided Tours and Interpretation

Official Guides: Licensed guides are available at entrances for private or group tours, covering the necropolis and providing valuable context (Helen on Her Holidays).
Audio Guides and Apps: Rentable audio guides and the official Pompeii app enhance the self-guided experience.
Interpretive Panels: Basic information panels are at the necropolis; for depth, consider a guided tour.

Special Considerations

Restoration: The tomb has undergone restoration, and access may be restricted during ongoing conservation.
Research: The site is still an active archaeological area; encounters with archaeologists during visits are possible (Cambridge.org).
Children and Groups: The site is suitable for children with supervision; large groups should book in advance for ease and interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Tomb of Marcus Obellius Firmus?
A: The site is open during Pompeii’s general hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (summer) and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (winter). Check the official website for seasonal updates.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase tickets online at the official Pompeii website or at park entrances. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is the tomb wheelchair accessible?
A: The necropolis and tomb are generally not wheelchair accessible; check with the park for possible accommodations.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, licensed guides and audio guides are available at the main entrances and can include the necropolis in their tours.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography (without flash or tripods) is allowed; drones require special permits.

Final Tips for a Memorable Visit

Plan Ahead: Confirm opening hours, ticketing, and accessibility details via the official Pompeii website.
Arrive Early: To avoid crowds and midday heat.
Prepare: Take water, sun protection, and snacks.
Respect the Site: Help preserve Pompeii’s heritage by following all rules and guidelines.

To enrich your visit, consider downloading the official Pompeii app for GPS navigation and multimedia, or the Audiala app for immersive audio tours.

Conclusion

The Tomb of Marcus Obellius Firmus is more than a funerary monument—it is a window into Pompeii’s ancient society, illuminating the ways in which Romans commemorated their dead, displayed social status, and maintained civic memory. By planning your visit with the above information, you’ll ensure a safe, respectful, and enlightening experience. Pair your exploration of the tomb with visits to Pompeii’s other iconic sites for a comprehensive journey through Roman history.