Italy declares Pompeii emergency

The ancient city of Pompeii has fallen into such disrepair that the Italian government has declared a "state of emergency" in a bid to save the ruins.

The temple of Apollo

As you will know if you have been to visit my home, I have a small piece of volcanic rock from Pompeii in my living room. I am convinced that our little piece of looting has nothing to do with the current state of emergency.

We went to see the massively impressive Pompeii site back in 2004 I think, during an Easter break in Napoli. The place is amazing, it really does feel like all of the people have just gone away for the weekend and left everything open. It is very eerie.

I am pleased that the Italian government is taking this jewel of a city seriously. Maybe when you visit, there will be a whole army of old Italians volunteering to guard the valuables (as they do in the UK at all National Trust sites.)

If you get the chance go see it you will not be disappointed. Even if like us you manage to visit on the one day a year when it pours down so hard you end up with rivers of rain flowing through the ancient streets.

Take a look here at the news story from the BBC.