HERCULANEUM AND NAPLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM TOUR (by train)

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples:

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is regarded as one of the most comprehensive artistic and historical institutions, providing an extraordinary glimpse into various facets of ancient Roman civilization, including the remarkable art that shaped both public and private life.
The museum is organized into three primary sections:

1. The Farnese Collection
2. The valuable art treasures from Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae, and other regions of the Southern Italy
3. Donations and collections added at later stages..

The Farnese collection, inherited by Charles of Bourbon from his mother, Elisabetta Farnese, in 1731, consists of remarkable statues discovered in Rome during the 16th century. These exquisite works are now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Furthermore, the discovery of Herculaneum in 1738, Pompeii in 1748, and Stabia in in 1749 led to the unearthing of countless artifacts, including frescoes, statues, everyday items, and numerous epigraphic documents. Of significant importance in the museum is the section featuring the frescoes, the largest in the world, along with mosaics, statues, and valuable everyday items. The Secret Cabinet is also well-known, boasting a collection of artifacts deemed “obscene” that provide insight into the ancient practices and customs surrounding eroticism.
The section focusing on the “Villa dei Papiri” near Herculaneum is particularly fascinating. Archaeologists uncovered an impressive collection there, including statues, bronze and marble busts, as well as numerous papyri that remain readable even after two thousand years thanks to the multispectral imaging technique.
Other sections of this museum include various collections such as the Borgia collection, the Santangelo, the Stevens, the Spinelli, and many more.

Mosaics, frescoes and statues:

Immerse yourself in the profound emotions evoked by the renowned mosaic floors, such as the iconic depiction of Alexander the Great, along with the frescoes and statues unearthed in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Additionally, the Farnese collection from Rome showcases remarkable masterpieces, including the monumental statue of “Hercules”, the “Punishment of Dirce”, the herms of the various emperors and the “Secret Cabinet”.

Secret Cabinet.:

The ‘’Secret Cabinet’’ refers to the private rooms designated by the Kings of Naples to house a collection of artifacts depicting erotic or sexual themes, uncovered during the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In the 18th century, access to these rooms was restricted to individuals of mature age and esteemed moral standing. This censorship remained in place until 1971 when the Ministry of Culture introduced new regulations to oversee access and visitation requests for this section.