House of the Small Fountain
Discover the House of the Small Fountain in Pompeii, famed for its exquisite mosaic fountain and vibrant frescoes, offering a glimpse into Roman domes...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
House of the Small Fountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the House of the Small Fountain in Pompeii, famed for its exquisite mosaic fountain and vibrant frescoes, offering a glimpse into Roman domestic life.
"The well-preserved mosaic fountain is the star, a colorful testament to Roman artistry."
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Ancient cobblestones are no joke! Prioritize comfort for exploring Pompeii's vast site.
Hydrate & Shade :droplet:☀️
Bring water and sun protection; shade is scarce. Stay cool and energized for your exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Intricate Fountain
Central courtyard
A beautifully preserved fountain adorned with vibrant mosaics, the house's namesake and main draw.
Vivid Frescoes
Interior walls
Discover well-preserved ancient Roman frescoes that offer a glimpse into the artistic tastes of the era.
Proximity to Grandeur
Adjacent to House of the Large Fountain
Experience the contrast and connection between this intimate dwelling and its more opulent neighbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Ancient cobblestones are no joke! Prioritize comfort for exploring Pompeii's vast site.
Hydrate & Shade :droplet:☀️
Bring water and sun protection; shade is scarce. Stay cool and energized for your exploration.
Guided Tour Recommended :scroll:
Enhance your visit with a guide to uncover hidden stories and context. Essential for understanding sites like this.
Check for Closures :warning:
Some houses, like the House of the Small Fountain, can close for maintenance. Always check ahead.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Ancient cobblestones are no joke! Prioritize comfort for exploring Pompeii's vast site.
Hydrate & Shade :droplet:☀️
Bring water and sun protection; shade is scarce. Stay cool and energized for your exploration.
Guided Tour Recommended :scroll:
Enhance your visit with a guide to uncover hidden stories and context. Essential for understanding sites like this.
Check for Closures :warning:
Some houses, like the House of the Small Fountain, can close for maintenance. Always check ahead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the House of the Small Fountain for its beautifully preserved mosaic fountain, a true highlight of the Pompeii site. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the mosaics, along with the well-preserved frescoes, offer a captivating glimpse into Roman artistry and domestic life. Its intimate scale and adjacency to the House of the Large Fountain make it a noteworthy stop for appreciating Pompeii's diverse architecture.
"Closed may 2024"
anttablet
"The House of the Small Fountain is located in Regio VI of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. As the name suggests, it houses a very well-preserved fountain richly decorated with colorful mosaics. The house is directly adjacent to the House of the Large Fountain, which has an even larger fountain decorated with mosaics, sculptures of theater masks, and shells. Frescoes can also be seen in the House of the Small Fountain, but the main attraction is the fountain."
Krzysztof S.
"The highlight of the house is – as the name suggests – the well-preserved fountain, which is decorated with colorful mosaics."
D D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House of the Small Fountain is located within the Pompeii Archaeological Park, in Regio VI. You can reach Pompeii via the Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento. Once inside the park, follow signs for Regio VI; it's adjacent to the House of the Large Fountain.
Yes, the Circumvesuviana train line is the most popular and affordable way to reach Pompeii from Naples and Sorrento. The Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station is a short walk from the main entrance of the archaeological park.
The site is vast. Consider downloading an offline map or using a guided tour app. Many visitors recommend a guided tour for a more in-depth experience and to easily locate specific houses like the House of the Small Fountain.
Yes, there are several paid parking lots near the Pompeii Scavi station and the main entrance. If you're driving, factor in parking costs and potential traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Absolutely! Pompeii makes an excellent day trip from both Naples and Sorrento. The train journey is relatively short, allowing ample time to explore the ruins, including the House of the Small Fountain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, a standard adult ticket costs around €18-€20. It's always best to check the official Parco Archeologico di Pompei website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, especially during busy periods.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and guarantee entry. This also helps manage crowd flow within the park.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Typically, the park opens around 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 7 PM. Always verify the exact hours for your visit on the official website, as they can change.
Discounts may be available for EU citizens under 25 and for certain groups. Free entry days are rare and usually tied to specific Italian national holidays. Check the official website for details.
Generally, tickets are for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, clarify this with ticket staff upon arrival or check the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase. It's best to plan your visit to allow sufficient time inside.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The House of the Small Fountain is renowned for its beautifully preserved fountain in the central courtyard, decorated with colorful mosaics. It's a prime example of Roman domestic architecture and artistry.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain. Lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is limited shade.
Yes, the House of the Small Fountain is accessible to visitors within the Pompeii Archaeological Park. It's located in Regio VI and is often visited alongside the House of the Large Fountain.
To see the main highlights, including the House of the Small Fountain, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you want a more thorough exploration, a full day is recommended.
Yes, there are restrooms and water fountains located at various points throughout the archaeological park. It's advisable to carry your own water bottle to refill.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Pompeii Archaeological Park, including within the House of the Small Fountain, for personal use. However, tripods and professional equipment may require special permits. Always check for any posted restrictions.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and fewer crowds. The golden hour can create a magical atmosphere.
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the mosaic fountain and the vibrant colors of the frescoes. The courtyard setting itself offers beautiful compositions.
A versatile camera that can handle both wide shots of the ruins and close-ups of details is ideal. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
No, drone usage is strictly prohibited within the Pompeii Archaeological Park for safety and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more manageable for families, focus on a few key areas rather than trying to see everything. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes. A guided tour tailored for families can also make the history more accessible and exciting for younger visitors, turning a potentially overwhelming site into an adventure.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Consider dedicating time to compare and contrast the House of the Small Fountain with other residences in the vicinity, such as the House of the Large Fountain. Examining the differences in scale, decoration, and presumed social status can lead to a richer understanding of Pompeii's social stratification. Reading up on the history of the house and its potential inhabitants before your visit will greatly enhance the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Roman Homes
Beyond the fountain, the house features well-preserved frescoes on its interior walls. These paintings, often depicting mythological scenes, daily life, or decorative patterns, provide invaluable insights into Roman art and culture. The vibrant pigments, though faded by time, still speak to the skill of the ancient artists. Exploring these rooms allows visitors to imagine the lives of the inhabitants, from the wealthy owner to the household staff, and appreciate the sophisticated design of their living spaces.
Its location in Regio VI, adjacent to the House of the Large Fountain, also offers a comparative perspective. While the Large Fountain house boasts more elaborate decorations and sculptures, the Small Fountain house showcases a more intimate and perhaps more common, yet equally refined, domestic setting. This juxtaposition highlights the diversity of housing within Pompeii, from modest dwellings to opulent villas, all preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Understanding Pompeii's Layout and Key Areas
Regio VI is particularly rich in well-preserved houses, offering a concentrated view of Roman domestic architecture. Visiting the House of the Small Fountain here allows you to appreciate the typical layout of a Pompeian home, often featuring an atrium (an open courtyard), a peristyle garden, and various rooms for living, sleeping, and dining. The presence of the fountain in the courtyard was not just decorative but also functional, providing water and creating a pleasant microclimate.
When exploring Regio VI, it's also beneficial to note its proximity to other significant sites. This strategic location within the city plan underscores the interconnectedness of daily life in ancient Pompeii. Visitors often combine a visit to the House of the Small Fountain with nearby attractions, making for a more comprehensive understanding of the city's urban fabric.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit