Pompeii's Largest Home Undergoing $1.6 Million Restoration Funded by Private Donor
The House of Marcus Fabius Rufus, inaccessible since 1980, is being restored by a German entrepreneur with parts expected to open to guided groups by Christmas.
An ancient residence in Pompeii, believed to be the largest unearthed in the archaeological site, is undergoing a restoration project costing 1.4 million euros ($1.6 million), entirely funded by a private sponsor.
Officials announced Tuesday that the House of Marcus Fabius Rufus, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., has been inaccessible to the public since 1980. The residence, modeled after Rome's imperial palaces, was originally built on Pompeii’s city walls and features four floors connected by a complex network of corridors and staircases.
The restoration is being financed by German entrepreneur Frank Hoefer, who was inspired to contribute after reading a book by Pompeii Archaeological Park superintendent Gabriel Zuchtriegel. "Restoring the spectacular residence of Marcus Fabius Rufus … is a project I find exciting," Hoefer stated. "I also have the impression that Pompeii is very open to innovative approaches to preservation and public access."
Some portions of the house are anticipated to open for guided tours by Christmas. Structural work on the building took place between 2021 and 2023, with current renovations focusing on its frescoes, including the renowned Venus of Pompeii found within a chapel in the residence. The owner of the house is thought to have been a magistrate or a freedman connected to the imperial household.
Zuchtriegel expressed hope that such private sponsorships will increase, noting that while they may not immediately allow for a significant reduction in entrance fees, they represent a valuable path toward developing the site. Efforts are also underway to improve accessibility to the complex and to utilize digital technologies to help visitors navigate what Zuchtriegel described as an "incredible labyrinth."
Zuchtriegel remarked on the house's unique character, stating, "At times, you feel like you are in a 19th-century palace in Naples, yet this is a Roman house from 2,000 years ago."