The House of the Bicentennial in the archaeological area of Herculaneum has reopened to the public after thirty-six years. The reopening ceremony was held today in the presence of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Dario Franceschini. The House of the Bicentennial is located in the center of ancient Herculaneum, overlooking the main street. It is a luxury residence, close to the square. The house was closed in 1983 due to structural damage. The restoration process was undertaken years ago by the Superintendency of Pompeii, with partners including the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, the Pakard Humanities Institute, and the Pakard Institute for Cultural Heritage as part of the Herculaneum Conservation Project (HCP), and the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). The reopening of the House of the Bicentennial after more than thirty-five years "is further evidence of the story of redemption," said the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Dario Franceschini, at the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. "Herculaneum has surpassed 500 visitors. Research is conducted here, services are improved, and it's a highly attractive place. What happened with the increased spotlight on Pompeii has also happened in recent years at Herculaneum, and it will be an avenue we will continue to invest in. It's a source of pride for the country," he added.
In the peristyle of the house it is possible to observe the work in progress to allow access again to the first floor at the back of the house and to the 'cross' believed to be Christian. "The scientific care that distinguishes the work carried out in Ercolano - continues the Minister - represents a model" and will be the opportunity for "citizens and tourists to return to admire one of the most interesting houses of the site". Also at the reopening was the Director of the Ercolano Archaeological Park Francesco Sirano: "the Bicentenary project as a two-faced approach aimed not only at the care and conservation of the site but also at reconnecting to the reference territory. It is no coincidence that the inauguration takes place in conjunction with the urban recovery works in via Mare".
The mayor of Ercolano, Ciro Bonajuto, focuses on this project: “the next step is the inauguration of the archaeological walk on the pier of Via Mare, which has a symbolic value because in this area, 10 years ago, Salvatore Barbaro was killed, an innocent boy whose only crime was to drive a car identical to that of a boss”. The measures planned along Via Mare include the demolition of the border wall and the opening of a green public space, managed in part by the Ercolano Archaeological Park and in part by the Municipality, in the heart of the historic center, overlooking the archaeological site and in correspondence with the underground ancient Theater. “Ercolano, like Pompeii, has demonstrated in recent years that it is a virtuous example of public management capable of guaranteeing the protection and conservation of the site and of knowing how to relaunch its image” explains Massimo Osanna, General Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
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