The ancient ruins of Pompeii free of tourists is the subject of a new photographic exhibition in Melbourne organised by the European Union.
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life features photographs taken by Luigi Spina and runs until December 23 at the CO.AS.IT. Museo Italiano in Carlton.
The EU Delegation to Australia calls it a “rare, intimate glimpse” into one of Europe’s most iconic archaeological sites.
EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, says Melbourne was chosen as host city for a reason.
“Melbourne is so often considered the most European city in Australia and its vibrancy reflects these same values – freedoms that should be celebrated and preserved through greater dialogue and co-operation,” she says.
POMPEII HERITAGE
CO.AS.IT. chief executive officer Marco Fedi says they are “honoured” to host the exhibition.
“For Melbourne’s Italian community, Pompeii is part of our cultural DNA but this show also speaks to every visitor …” he says.
The free exhibition is part of EU foreign policy pushing cultural diplomacy with other nations.
It shows items from the lives of Pompeii’s people at the time of the cataclysm: from intricate mosaics and personal graffiti to household objects and grand public spaces.
Renowned Italian photographer Luigi Spina captured these works during the COVID-19 lockdown when the ruined city was closed to visitors.
His 38 large-format images take the viewer inside the homes, streets and spaces of the ancient city.
Pompeii is a preserved ancient Roman city in Campania, 23 km southeast of Naples in Italy, at the southeastern base of Mount Vesuvius.
Around noon on August 24, 79 AD (or CE), Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city, and its people, in six to seven metres of volcanic debris (pumice stone) and ash.
The EU is spending $130 million on its Great Pompeii Project to restore 70 buildings, recover 40 hectares of ruins and establish best practice in heritage management.
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