STUDENTS visited Pompeii and climbed Mount Vesuvius during a recent trip to Rome and the Bay of Naples.
Forty History, Politics and Archaeology students made the trip and also visited the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and other famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
“We walked roughly 18 miles in two days, but no one was complaining because it is such a fascinating place,” said Tutor Oliver Lister.
Other highlights included seeing the extraordinary collections of priceless artefacts and art in the Vatican Museums and the epic scale of St Peter’s Basilica.
The visit had curriculum links with History students studying religious conflict in 17th century Europe and Archaeology learners preparing for their exam on Roman religion.
Also on the agenda were visits to Montecassino, the site of a crucial battle of the Second World War, and excursions to the archaeological sites around the Bay of Naples.
Students had an extensive and informative guided tour of Pompeii which included two buildings, the Temple of Apollo and Villa of the Mysteries that they had studied in class.
A climb of Mount Vesuvius rewarded everyone with spectacular views across the Bay of Naples and a visit to the Naples Archaeological Museum, which contains many of the most impressive objects found in Pompeii and Herculaneum, rounded off the trip.
“There was just time in the evenings to visit nearby Sorrento to do some souvenir shopping and have a relaxing cup of coffee,” said Oliver.
