The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum has reopened the Bottega di Priapo to visitors after several years of restricted access. The taberna and its connected residential quarter are accessible again following extraordinary maintenance works.

The reopening forms part of a wider programme of planned and extensive extraordinary maintenance across the archaeological site.

What has reopened

The building is known as the Bottega di Priapo, or Shop of Priapus. It takes its name from a painted representation of Priapus, associated by the park with fertility and prosperity, located behind the serving counter.

The official park account describes a small commercial and domestic complex rather than a single shop room. Its account lists:

  • a small counter for selling prepared food
  • a cistern probably used to keep wine cool
  • a dining area with stone benches
  • storage space
  • an adjoining two-storey building

The adjoining two-storey building is interpreted by archaeologists as a possible hospitality space rather than only a private residence. That interpretation remains explicitly hypothetical.

Together, the park says, the complex offers evidence of everyday ancient life, including eating, drinking, socialising and overnight stays.

Visitors should note that the park sources describe the spaces and features of the complex but do not establish the precise visitor route. They do not confirm whether every room described is accessible during each visit.

Conservation work behind the reopening

The works included replacing damaged or unsuitable wooden, steel and reinforced-concrete lintels with azobe timber beams, followed by structural work on ancient masonry.

The replacement of deteriorated structural elements and reinforcement of ancient masonry were presented by the park as conservation measures intended to make the taberna and connected residential quarter accessible again.

Planning a visit

The park's published standard ticket price is 16 euros, with a 2-euro reduced ticket and free admission under applicable regulations.

From 15 October to 15 March, the park page lists opening hours of 8:30 to 17:00, with last entry at 15:30.

The general ticket page does not list separate access restrictions, timed entry or temporary closures specifically for the Bottega. Readers planning a visit around this reopening should use the park's official visitor page for current hours, ticket conditions and access information.