I have many clients who have enjoyed a visit to Herculaneum even more than to Pompeii. And just as many of the wonderful original pieces from Pompeii are in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, there are now more things from Herculaneum there. A guide friend who is very familar with Naples says the exhibit is spectacular.
Here's the info from USA Today in a new report:
"Herculaneum, ignored by many a Pompeii-bound tourist as that other city the volcano Vesuvius "froze" in ancient time, is showing off its glories, including some never before seen by the public.
While visitors pour into the sprawling ruins of ancient Pompeii — 2.5 million came last year — archaeologists over the years have been quietly extracting remnants of the much-less visited Herculaneum, and what marvelous remnants they have plucked from that town where affluent ancient Romans savored sea views from well-appointed villas."
The exhibit Herculaneum, three centuries of discoveries brings together for the first time most of all the important statuary dug out of the bowels of the town, from the first underground exploratory tunnels during Bourbon King Charles' reign in the early 18th century, to the more scientific digs of the last couple of decades.
Running through April 13 at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, the show's delights range from exquisite tiny bronzes to colossal marble statues. Many pieces are from the aristocratic Villa of the Papyri, which takes its name from the library of papyrus scrolls found in the partially excavated residence. Among the show's stars are a pair of bronze athletes from the villa. The athletes are poised to sprint in an eternal wait for the starting signal."
Museum website is
www.culturacampania.rai.it/site/en-gb/Cultural_Heritage/Museums/Scheda/napoli_archeologico.html?link=storia
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2 comments:
That's a great recommendation Sally, I'm in total agreement...as I would be.
This exhibit is spectacular. Many of the works from Herculaneum are usually display in a truly sad, forgotten wing of the museum. In the main entrance hall, with lighting and (gasp!) organization, the collection seems even more amazing. From the museum its just a short 10 min walk to 3 of my favorite pizzerias in Naples: Di Matteo and I Decumani, both on Via dei Tribunali, and Starita a Materdei, on Via Materdei uphill from the museum.
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