Workshop (I.3.7)

Workshop I.3.7 Pompeii: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Workshop I.3.7 and Its Significance

Pompeii stands as one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, providing an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Roman urban life, dramatically frozen by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Among Pompeii’s remarkably preserved structures, Workshop I.3.7 offers a unique perspective on the city’s bustling economic and social fabric. Located in Regio I, Insula 3, this workshop exemplifies the integration of commercial and domestic life that defined Pompeii’s vibrant urban economy.

Established as a settlement by the 7th century BCE and shaped by Oscan, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman influences, Pompeii flourished into a prosperous city of up to 15,000 inhabitants by the 1st century CE (historyskills.com). Workshops like I.3.7 were essential to local artisans and entrepreneurs—often freedmen—who produced and sold goods such as food, textiles, and metalwork, serving both residents and travelers (academia.edu).

Archaeological analyses of Workshop I.3.7 reveal a compact structure with a street-facing commercial area, counters, storage spaces, and living quarters, highlighting the multifunctional nature of Pompeian workshops (historytools.org). Modern technologies, including 3D imaging and ground-penetrating radar, continue to enhance our understanding of its layout and the trades once conducted within.

Introduction
Ancient Pompeii’s Urban and Social Fabric
The Role of Workshops in Pompeii
Workshop I.3.7: Archaeological Insights
Economic and Social Importance
Visiting Workshop I.3.7: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
Accessibility, Facilities, and Nearby Attractions
Cultural and Ethical Guidelines
FAQs
Ongoing Research and Preservation
Conclusion
References

Situated in the Campania region of southern Italy, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city that met its end in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Founded in the 7th century BCE and influenced by successive cultures, Pompeii’s population reached 11,000–15,000 by the 1st century CE (historyskills.com). Its urban grid was lined with homes, shops, baths, temples, and workshops—preserved in astonishing detail by the volcanic ash (nomadicmatt.com).

The Role of Workshops in Pompeii

Workshops (officinae) were integral to the city’s economy and daily life. Frequently attached to homes or facing busy streets, these spaces were centers of artisan production, trade, and commerce. The blending of workshops with domestic space reveals not only the economic vitality of Pompeii but also the social mobility and opportunities afforded to freedmen and women (academia.edu).

Workshop I.3.7: Archaeological Insights

Location and Layout

Workshop I.3.7 is located in Regio I, Insula 3, doorway 7, near important city thoroughfares and the Porta Stabia gate, a high-traffic area ideal for commercial activity. Its design features a street-facing shopfront, a masonry counter for transactions, storage areas, and living quarters either at the rear or above the workspace. The architecture blends opus incertum stonework with later repairs using brick-faced concrete (archaeologymag.com).

Discoveries

Archaeological excavations have uncovered ceramic vessels, storage jars, tool fragments, and modest wall plaster, all indicative of daily production and commerce. These findings, combined with evidence from other Pompeian workshops, suggest that I.3.7 may have been used for retail, food preparation, or small-scale manufacturing (historytools.org).

Workshops like I.3.7 supplied essential goods—bread, textiles, pottery, metalwork—and illustrate how family units participated in economic life. Operated predominantly by freedmen, these workshops highlight Pompeii’s social fluidity and entrepreneurial spirit. Inscriptions and graffiti provide further insights into the owners and their businesses (academia.edu).

Visiting Workshop I.3.7: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Usually 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM) in high season; 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM) in low season. Closed January 1, May 1, December 25. Check Pompeii Archaeological Park for updates.
Tickets: Purchase online in advance (official ticket portal) to avoid queues. Reduced rates are available for EU citizens under 25; free admission on the first Sunday of every month, but expect crowds.

Access and Guided Tours

Location: Workshop I.3.7 is in Insula I.3 near Porta Stabia, accessible from the main entrances.
Guided Tours: Official park guides and private operators offer tours focusing on Pompeii’s workshops, including I.3.7 (savoringitaly.com). Audio guides are also available at the entrance.

Navigating the Site

Site Map: Obtain a free map from the ticket office or download digital versions for easy navigation (kristatheexplorer.com).
Suggested Visit Time: Allow 3–6 hours for a thorough visit; arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

Facilities and Amenities

Bags: Only small bags (max 30x30x15 cm) allowed; larger items can be stored at cloakrooms or Pompei Scavi station (nomadepicureans.com).
Food: Bring your own food; picnic areas are near the Forum. The on-site restaurant can be crowded and expensive.
Restrooms: Located at entrances and major sites.

Accessibility and Safety

Ground Conditions: Uneven ancient streets; wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection.
Accessibility: Some areas are wheelchair accessible, but much of the site—including I.3.7—may be challenging. Contact the park in advance for details.
Assistance Animals: Guide dogs with certification are permitted.

Cultural and Ethical Guidelines

Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a burial ground for thousands of eruption victims. To maintain its integrity:

Stay on Designated Paths: Do not cross barriers or enter restricted zones.
Do Not Touch Artifacts: Oils and contact can damage ancient materials.
No Souvenir Removal: Taking stones or fragments is illegal.
Proper Waste Disposal: Use bins, avoid littering.
Respect Human Remains: Approach plaster casts and displays with solemnity; avoid inappropriate photos.
Cultural Sensitivity: Some frescoes and artifacts may depict explicit themes; appreciate the historical context.

Visitors are legally liable for any damage. Group leaders are responsible for their members’ conduct.

Nearby Attractions

Forum and Stabian Baths: Key public spaces nearby.
Antiquarium: Museum displaying artifacts from Pompeii’s workshops.
Naples National Archaeological Museum: Major repository of Pompeian finds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours of Pompeii and Workshop I.3.7?
A: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (April–October), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (November–March); check official sources for updates.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Buy online via the official ticket portal for the best availability.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, bookable onsite or in advance, with options focusing on workshops.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
A: Accessibility is limited in many areas, including uneven streets; consult the park for details.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Non-commercial photography is allowed. Flash, tripods, and drones require special permission.

Ongoing Research and Preservation

Workshop I.3.7 remains the focus of preservation and research efforts within the Great Pompeii Project (grandepompei.it). Advanced technologies, such as 3D scanning, ground-penetrating radar, and environmental monitoring, help ensure the workshop’s conservation for future generations (archaeologymag.com).

Conclusion

Exploring Workshop I.3.7 provides a vivid, immersive experience of Pompeii’s economic and social life, illuminating the ingenuity and resilience of its ancient inhabitants. Respect site regulations, plan ahead, and consider guided tours or the Audiala app for deeper insights. Your responsible visit helps preserve Pompeii’s legacy for generations to come.