New light for the archeology of Pompeii

The lighting of the Pompeii archaeological park by night, designed for visits open to visitors from all over the world, is the fruit of the Enel Group's 17 years of experience in the field of artistic lighting: our portfolio includes some of the most famous monuments in the world, such as the Pantheon in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Alcázar in Seville. But there are also futuristic works like Richard Meier's Citadel Bridge in Alexandria, as well as less famous buildings that are fully enhanced by Enel's light: for example, in Madrid, the Palacio de Amboage, seat of the Italian Embassy, and in Bucharest, the Aheneul, the concert hall that has always been renowned for its caressing acoustics for audiences and now also for the light that captures their attention also visually.

But Pompeii is something different altogether. The fame of being "a unique site in the world" is well deserved by the archaeological park at the foot of Mount Vesuvius and is like no other place or monument. The feeling of touching the great history of the Roman empire, the masterpieces of classical art and the frightening power of nature is incomparable.

The only touch that could be added to this experience was the possibility of a night visit under the gentle summer skies of Campania: the result is a magic difficult to describe, which, thanks to Enel’s mastery, has brought out intense sensations from the streets, columns and ruins without covering them up with foreign elements, which, on the contrary, are put at the service of art.

Moreover, the protection and enhancement of historical, artistic and monumental heritage are part of Enel's mission in the countries where it is present. 

The main purpose of technology can only be to improve people's lives, and particularly to satisfy their aesthetic and spiritual sense.

The technical and artistic project, called "Una notte a Pompei” A Night in Pompeii, invites visitors to follow a path of light from Porta Marina Maggiore, then continuing through the shops of Via Marina, the Temple of Apollo, the Forum, the Temple of Vespasian, the Macellum and public buildings, to the Basilica: a journey that constantly enthuses visitors who are guided at every step by Enel's smart solutions.

 

“Pompeii’s new lighting system is another important step in the revival of an archaeological site, which is unique in the world. Thanks to the evocative interplay of lights, the outline and shapes of the ruins are now shining with new beauty,” commented Dario Franceschini, Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, as he spoke at the inaugural ceremony. 

I believe that this itinerary of sounds and lights will spread around the world: a postcard that shows a beautiful and contemporary face of Italy, combining development and tradition,” added Carlo Tamburi, Head of Country Italy at Enel. It is a face of Italy, which, thanks also to Enel's light, displays the most precious treasures of its extraordinary historical wealth.