Pompeii – The Villa of the Mysteries, one of the jewels of the Archaeological Park of Pompei, returns to reveal its secrets thanks to the "excavations of legality".
A memorandum of understanding between the Park and the Public Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata has allowed the demolition of an illegal building that for decades has hindered archaeological investigations, bringing to light extraordinary finds in the northern sector of the villa: the ancient entrance, a stretch of Via Superior facing the access and the upper floor of the servants' quarters.
On the opposite side, a retaining wall of the embankment east of the road and a rectangular cistern with a barrel vault emerged.
The discovery, presented at a press point at the Park, marks a historical turning point. The Villa of the Mysteries, partially excavated between 1909 and 1910 by private individuals, was explored with scientific criteria only in 1929-1930 under the guidance of superintendent Amedeo Maiuri. However, the northern sector remained inaccessible due to a house, illegally expanded over the years.
Thanks to the agreement signed in 2023, the building was demolished, putting an end to an illegal occupation that also concealed clandestine tunnels used for illegal archaeological excavations, identified by the Prosecutor's Office following a report from the Park.
“After a century, we are resuming the exploration of one of the wonders of Roman archaeology, which remained partly hidden due to unauthorized construction,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
“This operation is the result of a virtuous synergy with the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor's Office,” added prosecutor Nunzio Fragliasso, underlining how the two illegal structures have long prevented the resumption of the excavations begun in the 30s.
The protocol between the Park and the Prosecutor's Office is not limited to the Villa dei Misteri: another agreement led to the demolition of an illegal restaurant near the Park, strengthening the fight against illegal construction and illegal trafficking of artifacts. An operation that returns new fragments of history to the world and reaffirms the value of legality in the protection of cultural heritage.
In short
Pompeii – The Villa of the Mysteries, one of the jewels of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, once again reveals its secrets thanks to the “excavations of legality”.
- A memorandum of understanding between the Park and the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor's Office has allowed the demolition of a building...
- On the opposite side, a retaining wall of the embankment east of the road and a rectangular cistern with…
- The discovery, presented at a press conference at the Park, marks a historic turning point.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Pompeii – The Villa of the Mysteries, one of the jewels of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, once again reveals its secrets thanks to the “excavations of legality”.
Why is this news relevant?
A memorandum of understanding between the Park and the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor's Office has allowed the demolition of a building...
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
On the opposite side, a retaining wall of the embankment east of the road and a rectangular cistern with a barrel vault emerged.
The news about the demolition of the illegal building near the Villa of the Mysteries is interesting, but I wonder if the finds will be well preserved for future generations. Let's hope there are no more obstacles for the excavations in the future.