The Garden of Hercules in Pompeii has reopened after restoration, featuring ancient plants and a glimpse into Roman life. Credit: Paul Appleton / CC BY-NC 2.0
A historic garden tucked away in the ruins of Pompeii has opened once again, offering a colorful look into daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. Known as the Garden of Hercules, this restored space in Pompeii now blooms with thousands of flowers and plants once common in Roman times. Visitors can explore the site every Tuesday as part of Pompeii’s ongoing House of the Day program.
This ancient garden, which also housed a perfumery in its time, has been carefully brought back to life through a detailed restoration. More than 3,000 plants were added, including ancient varieties of roses, violets, and other greenery. Experts say this is more than just a visual restoration—it brings back the smells, sounds, and atmosphere of ancient Pompeii.
Pompeii’s Garden of Hercules: A look into ancient Roman living
The project included the planting of 800 rose bushes, 1,200 violets, and 1,000 evergreen shrubs known as ruscus. Cherry and quince trees were also added, along with grapevines. These choices were guided by archaeological and botanical research to reflect what would have been grown during the Roman period. The result is a garden that closely mirrors what residents of Pompeii once enjoyed before the city was buried in ash by Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E.
800 rose antiche, 1.200 viole, 1.000 piante di ruscus, ciliegi, viti e meli cotogni messi a dimora nell’area verde della casa del Giardino di Ercole, anche detta “casa del profumiere”, per la probabile produzione e commercializzazione di profumi che qui avveniva. pic.twitter.com/vQykwc3K66
— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) June 11, 2025
The restoration aimed to capture the full sensory experience of Roman life. Archaeologists, garden historians, and plant experts worked together to design the layout and choose the plants. Their goal was to show visitors how nature and everyday life were deeply connected in ancient times.
The project was made possible through collaboration between public institutions and private partners. Rosantiqua, an organization focused on ancient gardens, played a key role. Its founder, Michele Fiorenza, worked with park officials to ensure the garden’s authenticity.
Reviving beauty, culture, and commerce
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, described the restoration as a turning point in how green spaces are viewed in historical sites. Nature was once seen as something that damaged ruins, he explained, but now it is being recognized as an essential part of the experience.
The house itself is named for a statue of Hercules that once stood in its garden shrine. Today, a replica of that statue stands next to the area believed to have served as the summer dining space. The house was more than just a home—it was also a place where perfumes were made. Excavations have uncovered small glass bottles, seeds, and remains of aromatic plants. A unique irrigation system was also found, showing that the space was used for both living and working.
The house of Garden of Hercules in Pompeii expanded after an earthquake in 62 C.E., when the owner joined nearby buildings to support perfume production. At the time of Pompeii’s destruction, repairs were still underway, but evidence suggests that perfume making and flower trade continued until the city’s final moments.
An inscription near the entrance reads “cras credo,” which translates to tomorrow we will have credit. This short phrase gives insight into the optimism and business spirit of those who once lived and worked there.
The restored garden also features vine-covered pergolas and has returned to its original layout, complete with working water channels. Experts say this project brings more than a space back to life — it revives the Roman love of nature, art, and trade.
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