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September 02nd, 2015

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There is good news about the ancient Italian archeological site of Pompeii, always a popular destination for travelers booking Avventure Bellissime’s Italy Tours and Italy Vacation Packages.

In 2013 the European Union (EU) pledged €105 million for the Great Pompeii Project to restore the ancient Italian city. There were international concerns not only about the renowned site deteriorating slowly, but also that without careful scrutiny the work was being taken over by organized crime and not handled properly.

The ruins of Pompeii are one of more than 50 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites in Italy. In fact, the Bel Paese (beautiful country) has more World Heritage Sites than any other country.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., the ash smothered Pompeii and killed its citizens but it also preserved the ruins just as they were on that fateful day. The restoration work that has been undertaken in recent years is to ensure that the elements do not cause any further decay or deterioration.

Recent restorative work has brought one of Pompeii’s most well known and loved mosaics back to its former glory: The Cave Canem (beware of the dog) mosaic ornamenting the vestibule floor of the House of the Tragic Poet.

Visitors who take our Private Naples to Pompeii and Vesuvius Excursion or Private Naples to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Trip will now see this beautifully detailed mosaic of a leashed pet dog cleaned of mud and protected by a transparent cover.

The ancient Romans, like many of us in modern times, loved to keep dogs as companions and for protection. Dogs are found throughout ancient Roman art and literature, with many references to their value guarding people and livestock as well as depictions of them with little children and loyal to masters and mistresses.

In addition to the celebrated Cave Canem mosaic, the grand Villa dei Misteri (Villa of the Mysteries) has also recently reopened. This beautiful house, the largest in Pompeii and famous for its Bacchus frescoes, took two years to restore.

Work continues on many other areas in Pompeii and Italy’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism says more restored works are due to open soon, which means longer tour routes for travelers to the UNESCO site.

Perhaps it’s time to return to Italy for an enhanced tour of the ruins of Pompeii?
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