When the sun sets on Naples the past slips up behind you in a hurry. Shadows conceal the worst of the rotting palazzi’s broken facades and darkness shrouds modern rooftop antennas. High heels clack on stone streets, or was it the sound of horse hooves? A limp curtain, desperate for a cooling breeze, hangs from an open window. Years, decades, centuries – and in Pompeii and Herculaneum another 2 millennia- are stripped away with the fading sun.
This summer visitors to both sites will be transplanted back in time to the year 79AD just days before the August 24th eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Special effects such as light and sound will bring history alive again during the Sogno Pompei (Pompeii Dream). Guests will hear the sounds of the market and marvel as the Temple of Jupiter lights itself with the clap of their hands.
L’Ultima Notte di Ercolano (the last night of Herculaneum) features two parts, the first of which features 40 costumed actors, musicians, singers, and mimes working together to recreate the daily life of the average citizen. The musical “Il Mito di Enea,” ( The Myth of Aeneas) written by Ciro Villano will be preformed during the second part.
Even when the sun is still high in the sky, both sites offer surreal - and sweltering- moments. To explore them under the stars, in relative cool, is a unique experience not to be missed.
Details
Sogno Pompei (Pompeii Dream)
Website: http://www.sognopompei.com/
Where: Pompeii Archaeological Park
When: June- November Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights starting 1 hour after sunset. (August 8-17 the tour runs nightly). Tours run every 30 minutes and last approx 70 minutes.
Tickets: Purchase online here
Cost: Regular Admission 20,00 €, Campania>Artecard and Easy Napoli card holders14, 00 €, Family offer (2 adults + 2 children under 16 years old) 40.00 Euro
L’Ultima Notte di Ercolano (Herculaneum)
Website: http://www.tappetovolante.org/ercolano/scheda.php?idCat=41
Where: Ercolano Scavi
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday July 4- September 14. Part 1 from 8-10pm/ Part 2 Musical 10:15pm.
Tickets: Reservations Mandatory. Buy online, click “Calendario e Prenotazioni”
Cost: 25.00 Euro, Children 3-10 15 Euro, Under 3 free.
3 comments:
August 24th! That's my birthday. I didn't know that was the day Mt. V pummelled Pompeii! Perhaps one year I'll make it there for my b-day. --LW
I'm hoping we can make it there this Friday. I'll give a full report next week! But I suspect it would be a very cool thing to do for your birthday!
Of all the places in Italy I'd like to visit, I think Pompeii is #1 :)
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