The Roman Villas in the Territorial Context of Ancient Pompeii: Conservation of Vernacular Characters and New Forms of Accessibility to the Archaeological Heritage

The archaeological site of Pompeii has a territorial dimension. Numerous other sites of historical, architectural and archaeological interest gravitate around it and dependent on it, such as Civita Giuliana, Villa Regina, Oplontis, the Bourbon powder factory, the Castle of Lettere, the Archaeological Park of Longola, the Stabiae excavations, the Royal Palace of Quisisana, Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna. In addition to this extensive architectural and archaeological heritage, the Pompeii Archaeological Park also includes a vast vernacular heritage, made up of numerous farms, farmhouses, ruins and structures of great testimonial value. The rusticae Roman villas cover the agricultural plain and define enormous potential for the future management of the Park. The relative proximity and the high number of structures of interest present allow us to hypothesize an integrated use of the archaeological and vernacular heritage, creating a “widespread archaeological park”, also useful for the regeneration of the urban context. The proposed contribution intends to analyse the consistency of the vernacular heritage that is included in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, providing possible strategic and design solutions that promote its knowledge, allow its conservation and facilitate the relationship of the Pompeii site with the surrounding context. For the sites of Oplontis, Villa Regina and Civita Giuliana, in particular, an integrated mobility circuit is hypothesized, enhancing both the archaeological and vernacular characteristics of the ancient pre-existences. Even by organizing a walk along the external walls of the Pompeii archaeological park, which can be visited together with the green ring of the annexed agricultural areas, it is possible to decongest the site, which is increasingly crowded, and offer new opportunities for visiting and perceiving the ancient city.