My Old Home in Southern Italy – Erotic Art in Pompeii

There are places you visit, and places that become a part of you. For me, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii fall into the second category. This region of southern Italy is far more than just a vacation destination. It combines history, culture, nature, and a zest for life in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Naples – Chaotic, loud, and full of soul

People visiting Naples for the first time are often overwhelmed. The city is loud, lively, and sometimes a little chaotic. But that’s exactly what gives it its special charm. Real life pulsates amid the narrow alleys, historic palaces, and small cafés.

Naples is not a city that reveals itself at first glance. You have to experience it, visit its markets, stroll through the old town, and keep turning your gaze toward the majestic Mount Vesuvius. If you give it a chance, you’ll discover one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.

The Amalfi Coast – Beauty at Every Turn

Few regions in the world can rival the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. The colorful houses seem to cling to the steep cliffs, while far below, the turquoise sea sparkles.

Places like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello seem almost unreal in their beauty. The narrow streets, lemon groves, and spectacular views make every trip an unforgettable experience. Even after many visits, this coast loses none of its magic.

Capri – Elegance in the Heart of the Mediterranean

Capri has a very special atmosphere. The island combines natural beauty with Italian elegance. Even the arrival by ferry is impressive, with the steep cliffs rising out of the sea.

In addition to well-known attractions such as the Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni Rocks, it’s also worth exploring the island’s quieter corners. There, Capri reveals a completely different side—far from the hustle and bustle, with narrow paths, hidden viewpoints, and historic villas that tell fascinating stories.

Pompeii – A Journey Back in Time to Antiquity

To me, Pompeii is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. There’s hardly any other place where you can experience life in antiquity as vividly as here.

When Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., the city was buried under ash and rock. Tragically, it was precisely this disaster that ensured that large parts of Pompeii remained exceptionally well-preserved.

As you stroll through the streets, you’ll see residential buildings, shops, thermal baths, and temples. It feels as if the residents had left the city just a few hours ago.

The Surprising Openness of the Ancient World

Many visitors are surprised by how prevalent eroticism and nudity were in Pompeii. The ancient Romans had a much more relaxed attitude toward the human body than many modern societies.

Frescoes depicting erotic scenes can be found in numerous houses. Sculptures and murals also show that sexuality was a natural part of both public and private life. Particularly well-known are the works of art from former brothels, as well as depictions of Priapus, the god of fertility.

These works were by no means intended to be purely provocative. They often served religious, symbolic, or social functions and today offer fascinating insights into the culture of the Roman Empire. For me, as a nude photographer, Pompeii is a particularly fascinating place. The numerous frescoes, sculptures, and the matter-of-fact depiction of the naked human body still convey an astonishing artistic freedom today and show how closely aesthetics, everyday life, and sensuality were intertwined in the ancient world.

My tip: Visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples first

If you really want to understand Pompeii, you shouldn't start your visit there, but in Naples.

The National Archaeological Museum houses numerous original artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Many of the most significant frescoes, mosaics, statues, and everyday objects were moved to Naples to protect them from the elements and theft.

The famous murals and the collection of ancient erotic art, in particular, help visitors better understand Roman culture and ways of thinking. Those who view these works of art first in the museum will later recognize far more connections when visiting Pompeii.

While many visitors walk through the ruins and see nothing but old walls, a much more complete picture emerges after a visit to the museum. The houses suddenly regain their colors, the rooms their meaning, and the art its original impact.

A region rich in history and full of life

Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii together form a unique region. Here, spectacular landscapes meet history dating back thousands of years. You can stroll through ancient streets in the morning, sit by the sea at noon, and wander through the lively alleys of Naples in the evening.

For me, this area will always feel like a piece of home. Not only because of its beauty, but because it shows just how closely the past and the present can be intertwined. Anyone who visits southern Italy discovers far more than just sights—they experience a region full of stories, emotions, and an unmistakable zest for life.