House of the Mosaic Atrium

The House of the Mosaic Atrium is a Roman residence in Ercolano with a lower floor covering about 1200 square meters (12,900 sq ft). Its rooms are paved with black and white geometric patterns, particularly in the entrance corridor and atrium where large rectangular designs dominate the flooring.

Excavation of this residence began in June 1929, revealing artifacts such as marble sundials, bronze boxes, pottery, and preserved food items. These discoveries reflect how the eruption that buried Ercolano in 79 AD froze daily life in place.

The tablinum functioned as the owner's office and was arranged like a basilica, with a central hall and smaller side sections flanking it. This design shows how affluent Romans organized their private workspace within the home.

The flooring in the entrance hall and atrium displays well-preserved black and white mosaic patterns that are easy to view. Plan time to observe these details closely, as the atrium forms the central focus of the entire structure.

The garden preserves a wooden veranda decorated with mythological frescoes and features a colonnade surrounding three sides with a central water basin. This planted courtyard demonstrates how affluent Romans extended their decorated living spaces outdoors.

Location: Ercolano

Part of: Herculaneum

Address: Insula IV, 1‐2, cardo IV inf., Ercolano (NA), Italia

GPS coordinates: 40.80580,14.34690

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23