Casa del Bicentenario, Naples Travel Guide

Casa del Bicentenario, or House of the Bicentenary, derives its name from the fact that its excavation began in 1938, two centuries after the commencement of Herculaneum's excavation in 1738. This once-grand residence provides a window into the life of a wealthy Roman family before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.Originally the noblest and richest dwelling in its neighborhood, the house underwent transformations over time. The ground floor retained the traditional plan of a grand Roman house, while the upper floor showed signs of humbler dwellings, possibly rented to artisans or merchants in the city's final years.Visitors can admire the striking checkerboard fresco in red and white at the entrance, leading to the Tuscan atrium. The atrium features a mosaic floor and a central impluvium, originally adorned with a marble column supporting a fountain. The walls showcase Fourth Style paintings with intricate architectural perspectives and rich porphyry red panels. The house also features colored marble floors and paintings depicting mythological scenes.Thanks to collaborative restoration efforts, the house reopened to the public in 2019, allowing visitors to marvel at its historical and architectural splendor. However, it's important to check the current status before visiting, as conservation works may temporarily restrict access.