The term 'Lupanar' is derived from 'lupa', the Latin word for she-wolf, which was also slang for a prostitute.
Ancient graffiti etched into the walls by customers and workers remains visible, providing evidence of names, prices, and personal messages.
The masonry beds were typically topped with thin mattresses, as indicated by their hard, stone surfaces.
The brothel is situated at the intersection of two narrow streets, which allowed for discreet access and high traffic flow.
The erotic frescoes were restored in the 21st century to preserve the visibility of the original pigments and themes.
The building's functional design suggests a highly structured and regulated environment for the sex trade in 79 AD.
The Lupanar of Pompeii is the only purpose-built brothel excavated in the ancient city of Pompeii, located in Regio VII. The structure features ten small cubicles, each containing a masonry bed designed for a mattress. The walls are decorated with erotic frescoes, which served as a visual menu for clients. These paintings depict various sexual positions, reflecting the social and cultural norms of Roman antiquity. Stone latrines and a small courtyard are integrated into the footprint of the building. The building remains one of the most frequently visited sites within the archaeological park due to its preserved daily life artifacts. Archaeologists believe the building was explicitly constructed for sex work, distinguishing it from residential houses where prostitution occasionally occurred.
From the entrance looking inward to capture the alignment of the cubicles and the wall frescoes.
Arrive early in the morning to beat the queues that form at the narrow entrance.
Use a flashlight or your phone light to view the details of the graffiti etched into the lower wall sections.
Walk around the exterior of the block to see the secondary entrances that once allowed for more private access.
Do not attempt to touch or lean on the ancient masonry beds, as they are part of the protected structure.
Open daily throughout the year, but may have restricted access during heavy rain or for emergency maintenance of the frescoes.
Maintain a respectful tone; avoid touching the frescoes or walls as they are fragile and under constant conservation.
