Pompeii’s Villa of Mysteries re-opens

POMPEII – After almost two years of restoration work, the whole villa is open to the public once more.

The restoration, which began in May 2013, was funded by the Special Superintendency for the Archaeological Heritage of Naples and Pompeii (SANP) and took place in lots, so that areas of the building were still accessible to the public throughout the restauration process.

The work concentrated on remedying the effects of old restauration techniques which have proven harmful to the ancient villa’s frescoes over the years. In particular, attention was paid to the damage caused by the wax used to preserve the paintings, as this actually faded the colours of the images. Other work carried out involved the cleaning of the intricate mosaic decorations.

Pompeii’s largest residence, the Villa of Mysteries lies approximately 400 metres northwest of the main town, separated from it by a necropolis as well as the city walls.

 The villa is named for the many vibrant, well-preserved frescoes in the triclinium, or dining room, which are commonly believed to portray a religious rite. A particularly prominent theory is that the paintings depict the initiation of a woman into the cult of Dionysus, a mystery religion in which rituals were required to become a member.