House of the Inn (Casa dell' Albergo) (Herculaneum)

House of the Inn

The House of the Inn (Casa dell'Albergo), also known as the House of the Hotel, is a large and opulent ancient Roman residence located at Insula III.1/2/18/19 in Herculaneum (modern Ercolano, Italy), occupying the majority of the southern end of Insula III and extending near the ancient beachfront. Built during the Augustan period (late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE), it originated as a luxurious private villa for a patrician family, featuring sea views and elite amenities. Severely damaged in the 62 CE earthquake, it was subsequently converted into an inn or commercial lodging (albergo), reflecting economic shifts or owner impoverishment, with additions like shops and workshops. The structure covers approximately 2,150 square meters, making it one of the largest dwellings in Herculaneum, and includes private baths and multiple peristyle gardens.

Excavation history began with 18th-century Bourbon tunnels, which partially explored the site but caused damage through breaches and looting. Systematic work resumed in 1852 under Carlo Bonucci, with unreported 19th-century digs, and was completed in open-air excavations from 1927 to 1929 under Amedeo Maiuri. The house was undergoing major alterations at the time of the eruption, contributing to its ruinous state today, exacerbated by volcanic damage and early tunneling. As part of the Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, it remains in poor condition, requiring conservation for full study, and is accessible to visitors who note its vast scale but dilapidated appearance.

 

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Overall Layout and Architectural Features

The House of the Inn occupies a vast rectangular plot, filling nearly an entire block, with a multi-level design adapted to the sloping terrain near the ancient shoreline. The layout divides into upper and lower levels, revolving around an atrium (b) accessed via the main entrance (a) on Cardo IV Inferiore, with two full four-sided peristyle gardens for light and leisure. A secondary rear entrance on Cardo III Inferiore leads to a corridor and service areas, while the primary facade on Cardo IV features a simple lobby-like atrium rather than a grand foyer. The structure includes approximately 30 rooms, a bath suite, and commercial elements like a store (m) and six-room complex (l) integrated post-conversion.
Architectural features blend rustic service spaces with elaborate reception areas: opus reticulatum masonry for walls, mosaic and signinum flooring, barrel-vaulted ceilings (up to 5.50m high with star decorations), and porticoes around sunken gardens. The first floor is well-preserved, but the second was largely destroyed during the eruption or early digs. Drainage systems include cisterns and puteals, with large windows in reception rooms offering sea views. Post-62 CE restructuring added commercial functions, closing some areas for stability.

 

Room-by-Room Description

The house comprises around 30 rooms across levels, with labels from archaeological plans (e.g., Maiuri, Wallace-Hadrill). Details focus on excavated eastern/southern sections.

Main Entrance (a): On the west side of Cardo IV Inferiore, leading to the atrium; unexcavated but inferred as the primary access.
Atrium (b/2): Simple lobby atrium with columns, serving as a transitional space; views across south-side rooms; connected to bath suite and additional spaces.
Vestibule (1): Entrance area linked to atrium; documented in photos from Cardo IV.
Peristyle (31): Large sunken garden with east, north, and west porticoes; mosaic floor in south portico; doorways to various rooms; views from multiple angles.
Service Rooms (G, H, I, L, M): West lower level, rustic and semi-destroyed; G has hearth traces and corridor to Cardo III (blocked); I with steps to cellar/storage; served oeci for rest/dining; M as store integrated post-conversion.
Oecus Triclinium (E-D): Well-preserved dining/reception with two doorways, vestibule; high barrel-vault (5.50m) with star decoration; signinum floor with geometric mosaic tesserae; walls with black zoccolo, alternating red/black panels; large windows for sea views.
Room F: Less preserved living room; collapsed vault, basement floor; perimeter walls remain; opened to sea.
Rooms 23, 24, 25, 26: Prestigious south-side reception/living; open to large southern terrace (22) with square pillars (collapsed); 23 has mosaic threshold, south-west flooring details.
Terrace (22): South overlooking sea; massive pillars; largely collapsed.
Room 12: Southeast corner; views from Cardo IV.
Unnumbered Room (South of 32): Rear of caldarium; steps in southwest, painted areas in northeast; views across peristyle.
Bath Suite: Integrated, with decorations largely lost.
Six-Room Complex (l): North side of peristyle; later connected.

 

Decorations, Artifacts, and Significance

Decorations include mosaic floors (e.g., south portico, geometric tesserae in E-D), painted walls (yellow in E-D west wall, black zoccolo with red/black panels), and vaulted ceilings with star motifs. Bath decorations are mostly lost. A pear orchard in the garden adds to its leisurely appeal.
Artifacts feature hearth/oven in G, large terracotta pots with flour (suggesting bakery), and painted elements.