The ancient Garden of Hercules, a centuries-old site in the heart of Pompeii, has reopened to the public following an extensive restoration.
Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, the site has been revitalized with the planting of 800 ancient roses, 1,200 violets, and 1,000 ruscus plants, along with cherry trees, grapevines, and quince trees.
The effort aimed to recreate not just the physical appearance of the garden, but also its sensory experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Pompeii.
Specialists in archaeology, botany, and plant science worked closely together to ensure historical accuracy. The project represents a significant partnership between the public and private sectors, underscoring the increasing importance of natural landscapes in archaeological interpretation.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, called the restoration a turning point. “The greenery of Pompeii, once perceived as a problem, is now recognized as an integral part of the archaeological experience,” he said. “The natural and archaeological landscapes are merging again, as they were in ancient times.”
Zuchtriegel also announced a new collaboration with Rosantiqua, an association led by Michele Fiorenza. Together, they aim to further revive the ancient garden with a vision inspired by the Roman poet Virgil—to make the fields smile.
Scientific research and careful planning guided the restoration. Botanist Wilhelmina F. Jashemski’s studies from the 1950s, which analyzed ancient pollens, spores, and plant remains, provided key insights. Her findings helped experts select plant varieties known to have grown in Roman gardens, especially those prized for their fragrance and trade value.
800 rose antiche, 1.200 viole, 1.000 piante di ruscus, ciliegi, viti e meli cotogni messi a dimora nell’area verde della casa del Giardino di Ercole, anche detta “casa del profumiere”, per la probabile produzione e commercializzazione di profumi che qui avveniva. pic.twitter.com/vQykwc3K66
— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) June 11, 2025
The house takes its name from a statue of Hercules found in its garden shrine. A terracotta replica now stands beside the summer dining area, replicating the atmosphere of daily life as it may have been experienced nearly 2,000 years ago.
Archaeological evidence suggests the residence served both as a home and a production site for perfumes. Excavations revealed glass bottles, seeds, aromatic plant remains, and an elaborate irrigation system—unlike any other found in Pompeii—confirming its commercial role.
Following the earthquake of 62 CE, the owner expanded the property by combining it with nearby buildings to support specialized production. At the time of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 CE, the house was still undergoing repairs. Despite the devastation, records suggest that perfume making and flower trading continued until the very end.
One of the most notable features of the house is the inscription “cras credo”—“tomorrow we will have credit”—written at the entrance. The phrase hints at the daily trade and optimism that defined life in the Roman city.
The restoration also included the reconstruction of vine-covered pergolas and the revival of the original ground level and irrigation system. The project restores more than just a physical space—it revives a Roman way of life centered on beauty, commerce, and nature.
