Pompeii, new frescoes discovered and some rooms reopened

Discoveries that enrich Pompeii’s archaeological heritage continue. Ongoing excavations in Pompeii’s Regio IX have brought to light, in an oecus (hall) that is emerging with the very latest investigations, very interesting frescoes: in the colonnaded hall of a large domus with second-style decorations, a triumph of game and fish is revealed behind a colonnade painted in trompe-l’oeil. Chickens, ducks, wild boar and reed baskets filled with blue fish and shellfish adorn the room’s red walls, evoking the banquets and convivialities of ancient Pompeii.

These extraordinary finds are part of a hydrogeological protection project that aims to ensure the safety and sustainability of the Pompeii site by protecting its more than 13,000 rooms spread over 1,070 dwelling units.

Reopening and new houses open for visitors

As of Dec. 23, the archaeological site expands its accessibility with the reopening of several alleys, including the alley of the Baker, the alley of the Skeletons, the alley of the Hanging Balcony and the alley of Eumachia in Regio VII, the alley of the Faun in the southern part, the alley of Modestus and the alley of Fullonica in Regio IV, and the alley of Championnet in Regio VIII. These new routes offer a novel perspective on the urban planning of ancient Pompeii, accompanied by walkways that allow a closer look at the ongoing excavations.

Prominent among the reopenings are the House of the Piglet (open every Monday as a “house of the day”) and the House of the Centaur, while the Thermopolium in Regio V, with its counter decorated with exquisite scenes, is once again open to visitors thanks to recent security upgrades.

Special openings and free admission

On Jan. 1, all sites in Greater Pompeii will be open to the public, including Pompeii, Villa San Marco, Villa Arianna, the Libero D’Orsi Archaeological Museum and Villa Regina in Boscoreale, with varying hours and tickets at regular rates.

For the Christmas season, visitors will have free access to the women’s section of the Forum Baths, which was restored and opened in the spring and features extraordinary Fourth Style decorations, rich in plant and bird motifs.

Pompeii, new frescoes discovered and some rooms reopened

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