Baths, theatres and leisure

Hours

Hours are the Park’s listing for 15 October to 15 March, from its open-buildings page. They differ in summer. Each entry paraphrases the Park’s own page for that place, or its easy-reading guide where there is no page.

Stabian Baths

The main entrance on Via dell’Abbondanza leads to a large courtyard, with the pool on the left and a colonnade on the right leading to the men’s section. The Park describes a bathing sequence from the dressing room to the cold, medium and hot rooms. Heating came from hot air circulating in wall pipes and double floors. The women’s rooms were smaller, with simpler decoration, and had a separate door marked “Mulier”. The Park’s guide mentions the round cold room with a blue, starred dome. Look for: The courtyard, the dressing-room niches and the domed cold room. Park listing: 9:15 to 16:20, last entrance 16:00. Marked with the Park’s accessible symbol.

The Lupanar

The Park describes a two-floor building. The owner and slaves lived upstairs, and downstairs five rooms with built-in beds open on a corridor. Curtains closed the rooms, and small erotic paintings in the corridor informed customers of what was offered. The women were mostly Greek and Oriental slaves, paid between two and eight asses (a glass of wine cost one). The name comes from lupa, Latin for prostitute. Look for: The beds in the five rooms and the paintings in the corridor. Park listing: 9:15 to 16:20, last entrance 16:00. Adult subject matter. Often crowded, with narrow rooms.

The Large Theatre

Built into a natural slope around the middle of the 2nd century BC and restored in Roman style. An inscription records works in the Augustan age by Marcus Artorius Primus, including the stage, a large awning (velarium) against the sun, and numbered seats. Comedies and tragedies in the Greek and Roman tradition were performed. It was the first large public building completely freed from the eruption deposits. Look for: The inscription of Artorius Primus at the east corridor entrance. Park listing: 9:00 to 17:00. Marked with the Park’s accessible symbol.

The Triangular Forum

Named for its shape and set on a ridge of lava rock above the mouth of the Sarno. It preserves one of the oldest sacred areas of the city, dating to the 6th century BC. The portico of the 2nd century BC surrounds the Doric Temple. A double enclosure in front of the temple stairs has been read as the tomb of Heracles, legendary founder of the city. Look for: The six-column entrance from Via dei Teatri and the view over the valley. Park listing: 9:00 to 17:00. Marked with the Park’s accessible symbol.

The Amphitheatre

The Park calls it the oldest amphitheatre known from Roman times. It was built in 70 BC and could hold up to 20,000 spectators from Pompeii and nearby towns. Its position at the edge of the city made it easier for so many people to arrive. Outside staircases lead to the upper steps, and the arena parapet was decorated with frescoes of gladiators. Look for: The oval arena and the outer staircases. Park listing: 9:00 to 17:00. Marked with the Park’s accessible symbol. The Park notes a restriction on which entrance gives access, so check.

The Large Palaestra

An open square of about 140 by 140 metres, surrounded by porticoes and a high wall with 10 doors. It was built in the Augustan period for the physical and intellectual training of young citizens. The Park says plane tree roots left moulds in the ground and a 23 by 35 metre pool lies at the centre. Visitors left many erotic or poetic graffiti. It also hosts the permanent exhibition of finds from the Moregine Triclinia. Look for: The pool, the root moulds and the graffiti on columns. Park listing: 9:15 to 16:20, last entrance 16:00.