Lupanar Pompeii
Pompeii's only purpose-built brothel, famous for its explicit erotic frescoes and stone beds, preserved by volcanic ash.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Lupanar Pompeii
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pompeii's only purpose-built brothel, famous for its explicit erotic frescoes and stone beds, preserved by volcanic ash.
"The Lupanar is one of the most fascinating and revealing sites in the ancient Roman world."
🎯 Prepare for Queues
Long lines are common. Visit early or late, or be patient for your turn to explore.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
The erotic frescoes are historically significant. Take time to observe their detail and meaning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Erotic Frescoes
Ground floor rooms
Vivid wall paintings depicting various sexual acts, offering a rare insight into ancient Roman attitudes towards sexuality.
Stone Beds
Small rooms
The functional, stone beds in each small room highlight the practical design of this ancient Roman brothel.
The 'Wolf Den'
The entire Lupanar building
Explore the 'den of she-wolves,' Pompeii's only purpose-built brothel, offering a unique look at daily life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at the Lupanar
Understand the Context
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Prepare for Queues
Long lines are common. Visit early or late, or be patient for your turn to explore.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
The erotic frescoes are historically significant. Take time to observe their detail and meaning.
🚶♂️ Move with the Flow
On organized tours, guides move quickly. If independent, take your time but be mindful of others.
💡 Historical Context
Understand this was a normal part of Roman life, not hidden or stigmatized.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Prepare for Queues
Long lines are common. Visit early or late, or be patient for your turn to explore.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
The erotic frescoes are historically significant. Take time to observe their detail and meaning.
🚶♂️ Move with the Flow
On organized tours, guides move quickly. If independent, take your time but be mindful of others.
💡 Historical Context
Understand this was a normal part of Roman life, not hidden or stigmatized.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lupanar is a fascinating and revealing site, offering a unique glimpse into Pompeii's social fabric and attitudes towards sexuality. While some find it 'nothing special' compared to other ruins, its well-preserved erotic frescoes and practical design make it a compelling historical artifact. Be prepared for long queues and potentially cramped conditions, but the historical insight is considered worthwhile by many.
"Nothing special. Ruins like all the others, except this one used to trade in pleasure instead of wine jugs. Now it's just a few crumbling rooms with some small cheeky wall scenes – and that’s all about it. Still, the queues outside can be absurd. Unless you're really into ancient brothels, you’re not missing much. We luckily slipped in ahead – all in the name of historical research, of course. muhehehe :)"
Michael Nae
"The Lupanare of Pompeii is one of the most fascinating and revealing sites in the ancient Roman world — especially about daily life, sexuality, and culture.
🏛️ What is the Lupanare?
The Lupanare (from Latin lupa, meaning "she-wolf" — a slang term for prostitute) is Pompeii’s most famous brothel.
It is the only purpose-built brothel discovered in the city.
“Lupanar” literally means “den of the she-wolves” — a euphemism for a house of prostitution."
Haydar Levent
"Waited years to see this place. Very interesting but because we were on an organised tour with a guide I had to walk at her pace which was too fast resulting in me not being able to take everything in . Also the narrow streets were rammed with people and at some locations staff were constantly moving you on. Apparently 29,000 people once visited the site in one day."
Richard Deniszczyc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lupanar is located within the main archaeological site of Pompeii. Once inside, follow signs for the Lupanar or ask site staff for directions. It's a well-marked and popular destination.
Yes, Pompeii is accessible via the Circumvesuviana train line from Naples and Sorrento. The Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station is the closest to the main entrance.
Download an offline map of the Pompeii archaeological site or pick up a physical map at the entrance. The Lupanar is clearly indicated.
Many guided tours of Pompeii include a visit to the Lupanar. This can be a great way to get historical context, though tours can move quickly.
Yes, there are parking facilities near the Pompeii archaeological site. However, navigating to the Lupanar itself is done on foot within the ruins.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lupanar is included with your general admission ticket to the Pompeii archaeological site.
The Lupanar follows the opening hours of the Pompeii archaeological site. These can vary seasonally, so check the official website before your visit.
Ticket prices for Pompeii vary. Check the official archaeological park website for the most current pricing information.
It is highly recommended to buy your Pompeii tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
Historically, there were restrictions for women viewing the frescoes, but this is no longer the case. Be prepared for crowds and potentially limited space inside.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Lupanar, but be mindful of others and avoid using flash, especially on the delicate frescoes.
Try to capture the frescoes from different angles to show their detail. The lighting can be dim, so a steady hand or tripod (if permitted) can help.
Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) or be patient and wait for a moment when the crowd thins.
The erotic frescoes themselves are the main photo opportunity. The small rooms and stone beds also offer unique historical snapshots.
Use a wider aperture to let in more light and a higher ISO if needed. A fast lens is beneficial due to the dim lighting conditions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Lupanar is Pompeii's only purpose-built brothel, famous for its well-preserved erotic frescoes and stone beds, offering a unique insight into Roman daily life and sexuality.
Given the potential queues and the size of the site, allocate at least 30-60 minutes for the Lupanar, depending on crowd levels and your interest.
Restrooms and other facilities are available within the larger Pompeii archaeological site, but not directly inside the Lupanar itself. Plan accordingly.
The Lupanar is an ancient structure with uneven surfaces and narrow passages, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on uneven terrain. Dress in layers as the weather can change, and bring sun protection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧐 History Enthusiasts
+1 Consider booking a specialized historical tour that delves deeper into the Lupanar's context within Pompeii's broader social and economic history. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Lupanar
+2The walls of these rooms are adorned with vibrant and explicit erotic frescoes, which served a dual purpose: they were decorative and acted as a 'menu,' illustrating the services available. These artworks are not only fascinating for their explicit nature but also for their artistic quality and the insight they provide into Roman sexual practices and social norms. Interestingly, the Lupanar was not a hidden or stigmatized place; it was a recognized part of Pompeii's urban landscape, frequented by various social classes, including traders and travelers.
Visiting the Lupanar is a thought-provoking experience that goes beyond mere curiosity. It allows for a deeper understanding of daily life, the economy, and the cultural acceptance of sex work in the Roman world. The site's preservation is a testament to the catastrophic event that froze Pompeii in time, offering us a direct window into a past that continues to intrigue and educate.
+1Navigating the Lupanar and Pompeii
For those exploring independently, maps are essential. The Lupanar is well-signposted, but the sheer scale of Pompeii can be overwhelming. Consider prioritizing certain areas based on your interests. The Lupanar, with its unique frescoes and historical significance, is a must-see for many. Be prepared for crowds, especially around popular attractions like the Lupanar, and consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or early/late in the day to avoid the peak tourist rush.
When visiting, remember that Pompeii is an ancient city with uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially during warmer months. While facilities like restrooms are available within the main site, they are not directly inside the Lupanar, so plan your visits accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit