Casa dei Vettii Reopens in Pompeii After Two Decades of Restoration
On January 10, 2023, the Casa dei Vettii, famous for its erotic frescoes, reopened to the public following four years of restoration work. This site, excavated between 1894 and 1896, was owned by freedmen Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva. The reopening ceremony saw the presence of Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano and former Pompeii director Massimo Osanna. The restoration process included contributions from various specialists, and the peristyle garden now showcases replicas of original statues, such as Priapus. A previously restricted room adorned with erotic artwork is now open, with an inscription indicating it may have been used for prostitution. The Pompeii Archaeological Park is pursuing a €900 million development initiative to increase open rooms from 55 to 115 by the end of 2023.
Key facts
- Casa dei Vettii reopened on January 10, 2023, after four years of restoration.
- The house was excavated between 1894 and 1896.
- It belonged to freedmen Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva.
- The restoration involved archaeologists, architects, restorers, engineers, and gardening experts.
- The peristyle garden now has copies of original statues, including Priapus.
- The erotic room was previously gated for adult men only; the barrier is now removed.
- An inscription suggests the erotic room was used for prostitution.
- The Pompeii Archaeological Park has a €900 million strategic plan for the area.
- The park plans to produce wine and olive oil from its agricultural estate.
- Over 6,000 trees and shrubs will be planted by 2024.
- The park aims to have 115 rooms open by the end of 2023.
Entities
Artists
- Aulus Vettius Restitutus
- Aulus Vettius Conviva
- Eutychis
Institutions
- Parco Archeologico di Pompei
- Ministero della Cultura (MiC)
- Grande Progetto Pompei
- Parco Archeologico del Colosseo
Locations
- Pompei
- Italy
- Ercolano
- Torre Annunziata
- Civita Giuliana
- Stabiae
- Boscoreale
- Via delle Terme