Pompeii Brothel Lupanar: The Hidden Side of Ancient Rome

Visiting Pompeii? Make sure you visit the Pompeii Brothel Lupanar.

Pompeii is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city provides a rare window into everyday life in ancient Rome. While most visitors come to see the grand villas, bathhouses, and amphitheatres, another intriguing site often surprises travellers – the Lupanar, Pompeii’s most famous brothel.

This ancient establishment is not just a curiosity; it offers a fascinating look at Roman attitudes toward sex, class, and commerce. From its explicit wall paintings to the tiny rooms where workers once lived, the Lupanar is an unforgettable stop on any tour of Pompeii. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique travel story to tell, visiting the Lupanar is a must.

Where is the Lupanar Located?

The Lupanar is in the heart of Pompeii, not far from the Forum. If you enter Pompeii through the Porta Marina entrance, one of the most commonly used access points, it is about a 10-minute walk into the site. The brothel sits at the intersection of Vicolo del Lupanare and Via dell’Abbondanza, two of Pompeii’s main streets.

It’s easy to find on a map of the ruins, and most guided tours include it as part of their itinerary. However, because of its popularity, the Lupanar often has a queue outside, so it’s best to visit early in the day before the crowds arrive.

How to Get to Pompeii and the Lupanar

Getting to Pompeii is simple, whether you are coming from Naples, Sorrento, or Rome.

From Naples: The easiest way to reach Pompeii is by taking the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. The journey takes about 35 minutes. From there, it’s a short walk to the main entrance of the ruins.
From Sorrento: The Circumvesuviana train also runs from Sorrento to Pompeii, taking around 30 minutes.
From Rome: If you are coming from Rome, you can take a high-speed train to Naples (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and then transfer to the Circumvesuviana line.
By Car: Pompeii has several parking areas near the entrance if you prefer driving, but it can get busy in peak season.

Once inside the site, follow signs or take a guided tour of Lupanar, which is one of the most visited spots in Pompeii.

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Inside the Lupanar

A Peek into Pompeii’s Most Notorious Brothel

The Lupanar (Latin for “wolf den”) was not just any brothel – it was the largest and most organised in Pompeii. The name comes from the slang term “lupa”, meaning she-wolf, which was a euphemism for prostitutes in ancient Rome.

The Structure of the Brothel

The building itself is relatively small, with ten tiny rooms and a staircase leading to an upper floor. Each room has a stone bed where workers would have conducted their business. The ground floor was likely used for common visitors, while the upper level may have catered to wealthier clients.

Erotic Frescoes and Advertisements

One of the most striking aspects of the Lupanar is its well-preserved erotic frescoes. These paintings depict various sexual acts in explicit detail. Some archaeologists believe that these images served as a kind of “menu” for visitors, illustrating the services available inside.

However, there is another theory that suggests the paintings were more idealised depictions rather than literal advertisements. Given that many of the workers were slaves, the reality of life in the brothel may not have been as glamorous as the images suggest.

The Lives of the Workers

Life in the Lupanar was likely harsh. Many of the women working there were slaves from Greece and the eastern parts of the Roman Empire. They had little freedom and worked under difficult conditions.

Graffiti found in the brothel, written by clients and workers alike, gives us some insight into the daily life of the Lupanar. Some of the messages include names of the women, crude jokes, and even customer reviews of their experiences!

The Restoration and Reopening of Lupanar

For centuries, the Lupanar remained buried under volcanic ash. When Pompeii was excavated in the 19th century, archaeologists were shocked by the explicit nature of the artwork. Some of the frescoes were even removed or covered up due to their sexual content.

However, modern scholars recognise the importance of these images in understanding Roman culture. After a restoration project, the brothel was officially reopened to the public in 2006, allowing visitors to see it as it was nearly 2,000 years ago.

I Visited a Brothel with My Mother-In-Law

When I visited Pompeii, the Lupanar was high on my list of places to see. I didn’t expect the funny story I’d get from it!

We had travelled to Italy for a family wedding, and after the celebrations, we spent three weeks exploring the country. My mother-in-law travelled with us, and one of our stops was Pompeii. Naturally, we visited the brothel as part of the visit.

Since then, we’ve had great fun telling people that we went to a brothel together! Of course, we clarify that it was an ancient one, but the reactions we get before explaining are priceless.

Despite the humour in the situation, standing inside the Lupanar was a surreal experience. The artwork, the tiny rooms, and the graffiti all painted a vivid picture of what life might have been like for both the workers and their clients. It was both fascinating and sobering.

Why You Should Visit the Lupanar

If you’re planning a trip to Pompeii, don’t skip the Lupanar. Here’s why it’s worth a visit:

It’s a unique part of Roman history – Pompeii is famous for its grand villas, but places like the Lupanar show the real lives of ordinary people.
The frescoes are incredible – Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, the paintings are still clear and detailed.
It’s a great conversation starter – Trust me, telling people you visited an ancient brothel always leads to an interesting reaction!

Whether you visit for historical insight or just for the quirky experience, the Lupanar is a site you won’t forget.

Final Tips for Visiting

Go early – The Lupanar is small, and it can get crowded. Visiting in the morning gives you the best chance to explore without rushing.
Take a guided tour – A knowledgeable guide can explain the history and meaning behind the paintings and inscriptions.
Respect the site – While the artwork may seem amusing to modern visitors, remember that this was a place of hardship for many. Treat it with the same respect as the rest of Pompeii.

Conclusion

Pompeii is a city full of surprises, and the Lupanar is one of its most fascinating locations. More than just a brothel, it offers a glimpse into the complexities of Roman society, their attitudes toward sexuality, and the lives of those who lived in the shadow of Vesuvius.

So, if you ever find yourself in Pompeii, make sure to step inside the Lupanar. Who knows? You might just walk away with a great travel story like I did!

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About: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.

We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.

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