Pompeii's House of Thiasus wins the Palmyra award: discovery of the year, but can you see it?
On 30 October 2026 Pompeii's House of Thiasus won the Palmyra award as the best archaeological discovery of 2025. Its great fresco of the procession of Dionysus is over 2,000 years old, but the house is not listed among those open to visitors.
At a glance
- Award
- International Archaeological Discovery Award "Palmyra", 12th edition
- Given
- 30 October 2026 in Paestum
- Discovery
- Frescoed banquet hall, announced in February 2025
- Where
- Pompeii, Regio IX, insula 10
- Visiting
- Not among the open houses: ask the Park infopoint
- Pompeii hours
- 9:00–17:00, last entry 15:30
What happened
- Pompeii Archaeological Park won the 12th Palmyra award for the best archaeological discovery of 2025.
- The winning find is the frescoed banquet hall of the House of Thiasus.
- Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel collected the award on 30 October at the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism in Paestum.
The prize is run by the Exchange with the magazine Archeo. The final had 5 discoveries from several countries.
What the hall shows
- A frieze of the procession of Dionysus, with almost life-size figures on 3 sides. The fourth side opens onto the garden.
- Bacchantes dancing and hunting, young satyrs and an old Silenus with a torch beside a woman.
- A smaller frieze of animals, both living and sacrificed.
The fresco dates from 40–30 BC. When Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, it was already about a century old.
Can you visit?
The House of Thiasus is not on the official list of open houses. In 2025 entry was only on booked tours of the excavation site. We found no confirmation for 2026, so ask the Park infopoint before you go.
What to see today
| Place | Why | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Villa of the Mysteries | The only known comparison for this kind of frieze | Included in Pompeii+ (€25) |
| House of Menander | Open since 15 August 2026 | With your Pompeii ticket |
| House of Octavius Quartio | Open since 15 August 2026 | With your Pompeii ticket |
With Pompeii Express (€20) you can add the villas for €8 at Porta Ercolano. Most houses open 9:15–16:20.
Tip: in winter last entry is at 15:30. Go in the morning so you have time for both the houses and the Villa of the Mysteries.
Plan your trip
- Naples to Pompeiihow to get there and hours
- Free entry to Pompeiidates from November to January
- The Pompeii wardrobeanother recent discovery
- Pompeii or Herculaneum?which one to choose
Frequently asked questions
What is the House of Thiasus in Pompeii?
It is a house in Regio IX, insula 10. It is named after the thiasus, the procession of followers of Dionysus painted in its banquet hall. The find was announced in February 2025.
Can you visit the House of Thiasus?
It is not on the official list of open houses. In 2025 it could be seen on booked tours of the excavation site. Check with the Park infopoint before you travel.
What is the Palmyra award?
It rewards the best archaeological discovery of the year and is run by the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism in Paestum with the magazine Archeo. Until 2024 it was named after Khaled al-Asaad, the long-serving director of Palmyra.
How does it compare with the Villa of the Mysteries?
Both have a large frieze with almost life-size figures and ritual scenes. The Villa of the Mysteries is the only other known example; the House of Thiasus adds a strong hunting theme.
Where to stay for your day trip to Pompeii
47 places to stay in the Central Station area on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
