Casa Della Regina Carolina (Viii 3.14)

Casa della Regina Carolina, Pompeii, Italy: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of ancient Pompeii, the Casa della Regina Carolina (VIII 3.14) is one of the city’s most impressive elite residences. Its historical depth, preserved architecture, and rich decorations offer a unique window into the domestic, social, and religious life of Pompeii’s aristocracy before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. From its origins in the Samnite period to its grand post-earthquake renovations, the house stands as a testament to Pompeii’s urban evolution and the opulent lifestyles of its inhabitants (Barrett et al., 2020).

Discovered and named in the 19th century after Caroline Bonaparte, Queen of Naples, the house is renowned for its vibrant frescoes, expansive peristyle garden, and innovative architectural layout that blends domestic and religious spaces (Archaeology Magazine, 2019). Today, Casa della Regina Carolina is part of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, accessible to the public with structured visiting hours, ticket options, and guided tours. Recent international research projects are enhancing our understanding of the site, with digital reconstructions and immersive experiences slated for public release in 2026 (Pompeii Archaeological Park Official Site; Roman Gardens Project).

Introduction
History and Archaeological Discoveries
Architectural Features and Garden
Religious and Social Life
Visiting Casa della Regina Carolina: Practical Information
Digital Resources and Future Developments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
References

History and Archaeological Discoveries

Origins and Evolution

The Casa della Regina Carolina dates back to the Samnite period (late 2nd or early 1st century BCE), initially constructed as an elite Republican-era house. After the earthquake of 62 CE, it underwent significant renovations, resulting in its grand dimensions, lavish frescoes, and the creation of an extensive peristyle garden (Barrett et al., 2020).

Discovery and Naming

Excavated in the 19th century, the house was named for Queen Caroline Bonaparte, a keen supporter of the early archaeological campaigns. Its large garden, mythological frescoes, and innovative spatial organization soon attracted scholarly attention (Archaeology Magazine, 2019).

Recent Research

A resurgence of interest has led to new excavations by an international team (Cornell University, University of Reading, and others) using advanced digital and archaeobotanical methods. Their work has revealed details of the garden layout, household economy, and social life. The ongoing project is developing a 3D virtual model to be released in 2026, offering both scholars and the public immersive access to the site (Casa della Regina Carolina Project; Roman Gardens Project).

Architectural Features and Garden

Plan and Layout

Casa della Regina Carolina boasts a spatially sophisticated layout. The entrance leads into what became a triclinium (dining room) with views of the garden, demonstrating the shift in elite Roman architecture towards leisure and entertainment. The house features:

Atrium/Triclinium: Transitioned from a traditional reception hall to a formal dining space, highlighting changing social practices (CRC Project, 2025, p. 27).
Peristyle Garden: A large, ornamental garden with planting beds, pathways, and a central shrine (sacellum) that blended pleasure, status, and ritual (Madain Project).
Upper Floor Remains: Rare surviving upper-level rooms, providing insights into the vertical organization of elite Roman homes.

Decorative Program

The walls were adorned with mythological and Nilotic (Egyptian-themed) frescoes, some of which are now preserved in the Naples Archaeological Museum. The garden’s central shrine, decorated with paintings and statuary, underscores the integration of religion and domestic life (Archaeology Magazine).

Domestic shrines (aediculae) and ritual objects found in the garden highlight the household’s religious practices. Offerings to gods and ancestors were made to ensure health and prosperity. The garden itself served as both a display of wealth and a space for social gatherings, reflecting the cosmopolitan and hierarchical nature of Pompeian society (Barrett et al., 2020).

Visiting Casa della Regina Carolina: Practical Information

Location and Access

Casa della Regina Carolina is located in Region VIII, Insula 3, entrance 14, near Pompeii’s Forum and the main thoroughfare, Via dell’Abbondanza (pompeiiinpictures.com; artandobject.com). Enter the park through Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, or Piazza Esedra.

Opening Hours

April 1 – October 31: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
November 1 – March 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Closed: December 25, January 1, and May 1 (pompeiisites.org; pompeii-tickets.com)

Note: Casa della Regina Carolina is not always open to the public due to research and conservation. It is often accessible via the “House of the Day” program or special guided tours (helenonherholidays.com).

Ticketing

Standard ticket: €22.00 (includes access to Pompeii and select suburban villas)
Reduced ticket: €2.00 (EU citizens aged 18–25)
Free entry: Under 18s, certified guides, on the first Sunday of the month
Visitor cap: 20,000 per day; tickets are nominative

Purchase tickets online at TicketOne or at park entrances (pompeiisites.org). Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Terrain: Some uneven surfaces and steps; partial wheelchair access.
Facilities: Restrooms, water fountains, and shaded areas are available in the park.
Accessible routes: “Pompeii for All” pathway from Piazza Anfiteatro entrance; not all domus are fully accessible (pompeiisites.org).

Guided Tours and Visitor Tips

Guided tours: Available in multiple languages, often required for entry to Casa della Regina Carolina during special openings (blogs.cornell.edu).
Photography: Allowed for personal use; flash and tripods are prohibited.
Planning tips: Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sun protection, and check opening status in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Combine a visit to Casa della Regina Carolina with other Region VIII highlights:

Temple of Apollo
House of the Wild Boar (Casa del Cinghiale)
The Forum and Basilica
Odeion (Small Theatre)
Casa dei Vettii (mapcarta.com)

Digital Resources and Future Developments

Virtual access: A 3D digital model of the house and garden is in development, with public release planned for 2026, allowing virtual exploration and educational engagement (forwardpathway.us).
Interactive maps and images: Available on the official park site and Pompeii Pictures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Casa della Regina Carolina?
A: The park is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April–October) and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November–March). The house may close earlier or be accessible only via guided tours. Check the official website for current access.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online via TicketOne or at park entrances. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is Casa della Regina Carolina accessible for people with disabilities?
A: It is partially accessible; some areas have uneven surfaces. Check accessibility details ahead of your visit.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially during special openings. Book in advance for guaranteed access.

Q: Can I visit virtually?
A: A virtual model is expected in 2026; check the Casa della Regina Carolina Project for updates.

Summary and Recommendations

Casa della Regina Carolina is a must-see for anyone interested in the art, architecture, and society of ancient Pompeii. Its grand layout, sophisticated garden, and religious spaces reveal the complexity of Roman elite life. Recent archaeological projects and digital innovations are making the site more accessible and engaging than ever before.