THE VILLA OF THE MYSTERIES REOPENS ON THE 19TH JULY
The range of visits is expanded with the opening of additional buildings
Pompeii is a vast open-air museum. Amid public buildings, houses, shops and streets one can experience the atmosphere of everyday life in the Roman era, by visiting places that are unique.
In order to improve the visitor experience at the site, on the 19th July, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii will be opening additional monuments with the expansion of the visitor route.
In particular, on the 19th July, following maintenance interventions, the Villa of the Mysteries and the Lupanar will reopen, both of which are famous buildings at Pompeii, and among the most popular with visitors.
The extraordinary suburban complex of the Villa of the Mysteries, which once looked out over the sea, takes its name from the famous hall of frescoes (megalographic paintings) depicting mystery rites in honour of Dionysus - who is present in the middle of the central wall alongside his consort Ariadne - the most prominent figures of which will be illustrated by means of a new information panel. The complex, which incorporated an area designed for the production of wine, dates from the 2nd century BC, but would take on its current form in the years 80-70 BC, which is also the period from which the mystery frieze dates.
In order to reach the Villa, one can take Via Consolare andVia dei Sepolcri, which crosses the Porta Ercolano Necropolis. Access to the building will necessitate the mandatory exit of the site from the Villa. The Lupanar, a two-storey building which was dedicated to prostitution, a practice which has been recorded as occurring even in some domus rooms or taverns, will also be reopening. Of particular note is the series of images of erotic scenes which decorates the ground floor corridors, illustrating the services offered as in a catalogue.
In addition to the traditional itinerary incorporating the iconic sights of Pompeii, beginning in the Forum with its temples and public buildings, continuing along Via dell’Abbondanza with domus and shops, or entering from the Amphitheatre area, with the nearby Large Palaestra and the beautiful domus with gardens - including the Praedia of Julia Felix, the House of Octavius Quartius and the House of Menander - proposed tours of the site will include some special openings. One such example is a visit to the deposits/granaries, normally closed to the public, which can be accessed every Wednesday from 10:00 until 12:00 and from 14:00 until 16:00, or during the evening visits to Pompeii, further information about which can be found online here.
From the Piazza Esedra entrance, access to the recently opened Antiquarium is also recommended.
From the 26th July, the list of domus open to the public will also include the House of the Ephebe and the House of Siricus. The opening of the thermopolium in Regio V, where new excavationsare being carried out, is scheduled for August.
The two-level entrance fee remains: daytime admission at a cost of €16, or at a reduced rate of €10 after 15:30. In the afternoon, in addition to the itinerary including the Forum and main public buildings (temples, theatres, the amphitheatre, palaestra and central baths) and the walk along the streets of Pompeii, it will be possible to visit various domus, including the Villa of the Mysteries, the House of Menander, the Domus Cornelia and the House of the Faun, and additionally, from the 26th July, the House of the Ephebe, the House of Siricus and the Lupanar.
The map which shows the buildings that can be visited can be downloaded here.
In order to enjoy a more complete experience of the site, it is also possible to purchase the annual MyPompeii card pass at a cost of €35 (€8 for under 25s) + €1,50 online pre-sale, which is also valid for all of the sites of the Archaeological Park (Pompeii, the Villa of Poppaea/Oplontis, the Antiquarium of Boscoreale and Villa Regina, the Stabian Villas and the Libero D’Orsi Archaeological Museum/Royal Palace of Quisisana). This is a new way of experiencing Pompeii and the sites of the Archaeological Park, at a price which is accessible to all, and which allows the chance to participate in and keep up to date on ongoing initiatives.
