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Lupanare: Pompeii's Ancient Brothel

Explore the Lupanare in Pompeii, an ancient brothel revealing Roman social and sexual culture through erotic art and graffiti.

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The Lupanare, Pompeii's most famous brothel, offers a glimpse into the city's vibrant social life. Located near the Forum, this two-story building features erotic frescoes and graffiti, revealing insights into Roman sexuality and commerce.

A brief summary to Lupanare di Pompei

  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • The Lupanare can get crowded; visit early in the morning or during the off-season for a more intimate experience.
  • Take time to examine the graffiti; they offer candid insights into the lives and desires of the brothel's patrons.
  • Respect the site's historical significance; remember that this was a real place with real people.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Forum and Stabian Baths to understand the Lupanare's place in Pompeii's urban fabric.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Porta Marina entrance, follow Via dell'Abbondanza, the main street, until you reach Vicolo di Modesto. Turn right onto Vicolo di Modesto, and the Lupanare will be a short distance down the street, marked with a sign. This walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Pompeii train station (Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri), exit and walk straight ahead. Follow the signs for Porta Marina, one of the main entrances to the archaeological site. Once inside, follow the walking directions. A local bus or the 'Pompeii City Train' can take you closer to the entrance for around €5-€8.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from the Pompeii train station or the center of Pompeii. A short taxi ride to the Porta Marina entrance will cost approximately €15-€20. From there, follow the walking directions. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Parking

    Several parking lots are available near the Pompeii site, particularly around Via Roma and Piazza Esedra. Parking costs range from €1.50 to €2 per hour, or €10-€15 for the day. From the parking area, walk to the Porta Marina entrance and follow the walking directions.

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Discover more about Lupanare di Pompei

The Lupanare, derived from the Latin word 'lupa' meaning she-wolf or prostitute, is the most well-known brothel in Pompeii. This ancient Roman establishment provides a unique window into the daily life and social norms of the city before its destruction in 79 AD. Located in Regio VII, near the Forum and Stabian Baths, its central location highlights the acceptance of such establishments in Roman society. The two-story building features a series of small rooms, each containing a stone bed. The walls are adorned with explicit frescoes, believed to have served as a 'menu' of services offered. Over 120 pieces of graffiti, scratched into the walls by clients, provide personal insights into the experiences and opinions of visitors. These inscriptions, along with the erotic art, offer invaluable information about Roman attitudes towards sex, gender, and commerce. The Lupanare's design includes functional elements such as a latrine and a separate room for the brothel keeper, emphasizing its organized operation. The prostitutes who worked here were primarily slaves, often of Greek or Eastern origin. Prices for services ranged from 2 to 8 asses, a common Pompeian coin. The Lupanare catered to a diverse clientele, from laborers to upper-class citizens, indicating its role as a social hub within Pompeii. Visiting the Lupanare today offers a captivating, albeit explicit, glimpse into an often-overlooked aspect of ancient Roman life. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of Pompeian society, where pleasure and commerce intertwined within the city's bustling streets.

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