18. Pompei - The new town

Pompei is more than an ancient site. The modern town of Pompei is a thriving, bustling centre. Its other "claim to fame" is a religious sanctuary, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Pompei, founded in 1900. There were bus loads of pilgrims arriving every day and we witnessed a procession one evening when we were dining. the church seemed to be full of people sayign the Rosary at any one time. The souvenir stands and shops of Pompei town are an eclectic mix of ancient site mementoes and religious paraphenalia.
It has a few other distinguishing features, including:

. more gelaterie than we have ever encounted in any other town. Delicious gelato!

. a large number of sleeping dogs. Well, they sleep by day, and stroll by night. If you walk after dark, you will inevitably be accompanied by descendents of the subject of ancient Pompei's Cave Canem ('Beware of the Dog') warnings! Actually they are a pretty friendly bunch....we didn't meet any aggressive ones at all! Wish i'd taken some pics of the sleeping / strolling Pompeian canines.

. the simply wonderful Hotel Diana (see separate blog entry).
Above: The Santuario della Madonna del Rosario - church and campanile in the centre of Pompei.