The Archaeological Park of Pompeii

People may highlight some of the restoration work that has been completed thus far, even though Pompeii's restorations definitely merit a list all to themselves. Since organized archaeological excavation first started in the 18th century, the tombs, luxurious homes, and public areas of Pompeii have been pillaged by thieves, and in certain early cases, the original remains have even been ruined during the process of "restoration." The Italian government formally declared a year-long state of emergency for Pompeii in 2008.

Following a flood of unfavorable press, the European Commission joined the effort and authorized money for the site's security in the amount of €105 million (about $116 million). One of the first important suggestions was to protect everything that had previously been dug up. (To this day, a third of the archaeological site lies underground.) Workers made every effort to stabilize the historic structures and stone walls, restore the frescoes, and install modern stormwater drainage systems to divert rainwater.

To protect Pompeii's hundreds of daily visitors, several surveillance cameras were also installed throughout the old city. Overall, the project made it possible for Julia Felix's estate and more than 36 other structures to be repaired and opened (or, in some cases, reopened) to tourists over more than 130,000 square feet (12,077 square meters) of the archaeological site.

• Country: Italy