Caupona (Vi.14.1)

Caupona VI.14.1 Pompeii: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discovering Caupona VI.14.1 in Pompeii

Caupona VI.14.1 stands as one of Pompeii’s most evocative and well-preserved Roman taverns, offering visitors a direct window into the vibrant social and commercial life of the city before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Functioning both as a tavern and informal inn, this establishment welcomed locals, travelers, and merchants, providing food, drink, and even lodging. Its archaeological remains—including marble counters with sunken dolia for food and wine, frescoed walls, and private rooms—highlight the ingenuity and sociability at the heart of Pompeii’s urban culture.

Today, Caupona VI.14.1 is accessible to modern visitors, who can explore its preserved features and immerse themselves in the rhythms of ancient daily life. Practical information on tickets, opening hours, and guided tours makes visiting straightforward, while nearby highlights such as Pompeii’s Forum and Amphitheater enrich the overall experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, Caupona VI.14.1 offers a compelling journey back in time (Pompeii Archaeological Park; Pompeii in Pictures; The Tour Guy).

Introduction
What Is Caupona VI.14.1?
Historical Significance & Archaeological Context
Architectural Features & Layout
Food, Drink, and Daily Operations
Social Dynamics and Reputation
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Visitor Tips
Modern Interpretations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Resources

What Is Caupona VI.14.1?

Caupona VI.14.1 was a dynamic tavern and inn located in Regio VI, Insula 14 of Pompeii. Serving hearty fare and drinks, it functioned as a social and commercial hub for a broad clientele, including workers, travelers, and merchants. More than 150 similar establishments operated in Pompeii, illustrating the importance of cauponae in Roman urban life.

Historical Significance and Archaeological Context

Cauponae played a central role in Roman society, blending hospitality, commerce, and social interaction. Excavations at Caupona VI.14.1 have revealed:

L-shaped marble counters with embedded dolia for storing food and drink.
Communal and private spaces for dining, gambling, and lodging.
Vivid frescoes depicting social scenes—drinking, games, and flirtation.
Street-facing entrances for accessibility and visibility.

Artifacts and wall paintings found on-site provide a rare, candid snapshot of Pompeian humor, daily routines, and even political endorsements painted by tavern-keepers (Pompeii in Pictures; The Archaeologist).

Architectural Features and Layout

General Plan and Location

Located at the intersection of Via della Fortuna and Via di Mercurio, Caupona VI.14.1 featured a street-facing entrance for easy customer access. The site’s compact plan included:

Bar-room with a masonry service counter (thermopolium)
Rear rooms for storage, food preparation, and possible sleeping quarters
Private alcoves for discreet gatherings
Wall paintings and a lararium (shrine) for religious rituals (pompeiiinpictures.com).

Notable Features

Service Counter: Marble-topped with embedded dolia for wine and food.
Rear Cubiculum: Featured a niche and bed-recess, indicating provision for lodging.
Sliding Door Groove: At the entrance, reflecting Roman attention to privacy and security.
Lararium Shrine: Wall paintings of serpents and altars for spiritual protection.

Food, Drink, and Daily Operations

Caupona VI.14.1’s menus were simple but satisfying:

Bar snacks like olives, nuts, and dried fruits
Stews, beans, and bread from local bakeries
Wine, sometimes mixed with honey or herbs

Staff, typically slaves or freedmen, managed daily operations and supplies. Gambling and, occasionally, sexual services were part of the social dynamic, contributing to the lively (and sometimes rowdy) reputation of such establishments (Feminae Romanae).

Ancient Roman writers sometimes viewed cauponae as disreputable, yet archaeological evidence reveals a diverse clientele. Elaborate frescoes and the presence of private rooms indicate that Caupona VI.14.1 attracted a wide social spectrum, including merchants, artisans, travelers, and even some elites.

Political graffiti and endorsements found on the walls link the establishment to broader civic life, showing how taverns were embedded in Pompeii’s political and economic networks (Pompeii in Pictures).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Opening Hours

Standard: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 or 6:00 PM)
Hours may vary seasonally or on holidays; confirm with the Pompeii Archaeological Park website.

Tickets

General Admission: ~€16 for adults
Discounts: Available for EU citizens aged 18–25; free for children under 18 and seniors over 65.
Purchase: Online via the official website or at the park entrance; online purchase is recommended (Pompeii Tickets).

Accessibility

Partial Access: Some areas of Regio VI and Caupona VI.14.1 are accessible via ramps and smoother paths.
Terrain: Ancient pavements can be uneven—sturdy footwear is advised.
Mobility Assistance: Consult the park’s accessibility guides for up-to-date details.

Guided Tours and Audio Guides

Guided Tours: Available, with many focusing on daily life and food culture.
Audio Guides/Mobile Apps: Enhance your visit with apps like Audiala.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting.

Nearby Attractions and Visitor Tips

Forum and Basilica: Heart of civic life.
Amphitheater and House of the Faun: Key highlights within walking distance.
Bakery of Popidius Priscus: For insight into ancient culinary practices.

Visitor Tips:

Use official maps or digital apps for navigation.
Photography is allowed, but avoid flash to protect frescoes.
Stay on marked paths to support preservation efforts.
Restrooms and refreshment stands are located near main entrances.

Modern Interpretations

Contemporary Influence

Modern restaurants near Pompeii and elsewhere, such as Caupona Restaurant, recreate the décor, cuisine, and convivial atmosphere of ancient cauponae, offering visitors a multisensory link to the past (Our Edible Italy).

Education and Digital Resources

Caupona VI.14.1 features in academic projects and digital reconstructions, such as Pleiades, making its history accessible to global audiences (Pleiades).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Caupona VI.14.1?
A: Generally 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, last entry at 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Check the official site for updates.

Q: What is the ticket price and how do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are ~€16 for adults; discounts and free entry available for eligible visitors. Purchase online or at the entrance.

Q: Is Caupona wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is partial due to ancient terrain. Some paths are suitable for wheelchairs, but assistance may be necessary.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, many guided tours and audio guides include Caupona VI.14.1.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, photography (without flash) is allowed inside the site.

Conclusion

Caupona VI.14.1 provides a vivid, tangible connection to the daily rhythms of ancient Pompeii, blending architectural beauty, culinary culture, and social vitality. By planning your visit—considering hours, ticketing, accessibility, and guided experiences—you can make the most of this remarkable archaeological treasure. Enhance your journey with digital tools, explore nearby sites, and immerse yourself in the enduring influence of Roman hospitality and urban life.

Call to Action

Enhance your Pompeii experience with the Audiala app for guided audio tours and real-time visitor information. Follow official channels for updates and insider tips on Pompeii’s archaeological wonders.

Sources and Official Links

Visiting Caupona (VI.14.1) in Pompeii: History, Tickets, Hours & What to See (Pompeii Archaeological Park)
Visiting Pompeii’s Roman Cauponae: History, Tickets, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips (Pompeii in Pictures)
Visiting Caupona VI.14.1 in Pompeii: Hours, Tickets & Historical Insights (The Tour Guy)
Visiting Caupona (VI.14.1) in Pompeii: Hours, Tickets, History, and Visitor Tips (Pompeii Tickets)
Caupona of Salvius (Feminae Romanae)
Unearthing the Secrets of Pompeii: A Snapshot of Roman Life (The Archaeologist)
Recreation or Decoration? What Were the Glass Counters from Pompeii Used For? (Cambridge.org)
Pompeii: Daily Life (Pompei.it)
Graffiti of Pompeii (Tour Guide Girl)
Caupona Restaurant, Pompeii (Our Edible Italy)
Pleiades: Caupona VI.14.1 (Pleiades)
How to Visit Pompeii (Along Dusty Roads)