The area near Pompeii is unfortunately located in a very poor suburb or Naples. Just like in similar areas of America, these areas tend to be high in crime and gang related violence. When I rode the Circumvesuviana in 2007, I saw armed guards patrolling the carriages. Both the carriages and train stations were covered in spray paint graffiti, a reminder of the etymological origin of this word.
WARNING: Pompeii may not be appropriate for children because a highlight of the tour is a stop at several brothels around the city. Inside are frescos depicting available services. Although these areas can be bypassed, there is artwork scattered through the city that may not be appropriate for children. For adults, a good guide or audio tour is extremely informative of putting all this artwork into historical context, but it would not be understood by children.
-Paul
No, it's not in a bad section. I'm guessing you're just not used to Italian cities. Pompei is actually a lovely little town--we've spent a lot of time (almost 2 weeks over the past 2 years) just wandering it. We usually stay in a hotel about a mile from the back entrance of the ruins, and just walk over. The worst thing that ever happened to us there was when we were sitting at the fountain at the town square in Pompei at about 11 pm, and some random guy came up trying to sell us some cheese he had on a string. It was odd, yes, and uncomfortable, but not frightening. And after my husband stared him down, he left us alone.
About the graffiti: again, I think you're just not used to Italian towns and cities. It doesn't mean anything about gangs or crime, it just means they get tagged all the time. You should see the metro train stops...half of them look abandoned, they're so overgrown with grass and trash. Pretty much every local train in Naples is like that. Now, the trash all over Naples...THAT is due to a feud between the Naples Mafia (who controls most of the trash companies) and City government.
On armed guards: I think you're mistaking the train conductors, who wear military-style uniforms, for guards.
And yes, the ticketing people at the train station speak very little English. Much of Naples speaks very little English- it's one of the most "Italian" cities in Italy that way. They've very much refused to bow to catering to Americans, and I can't say I blame them. However, in Pompei and the other touristing towns like Sorrento, everyone speaks it, for the most part.
Naples is full of pickpockets, but if you pay attention, you'll be fine. It's a lot like visiting NYC. If you act like a tourist, they'll target you.
Naples is one of my favorite cities in the world (can you tell?)
. Treat it right, and it will treat you right!
I'm surprised the brothel is such a high point for tour guides in Pompeii--it's so very small, and hard to find. There is so much more to see there, that it should be easy to skip.