Madonna is reportedly hiring the Large Theatre at Pompeii for her 66th birthday celebrations on Friday.

The Material Girl is planning to throw a party at the 2200-year-old amphitheatre in the southern Italian city that was smothered in volcanic ash when ­Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD.

La Repubblica quoted Pompeii mayor Carmine Lo Sapio confirming he had been contacted about the event and he told the paper: “We are ready to welcome the singer”.

Madonna’s Italian fan club said they were “preparing” for her arrival in a Facebook post.

It’s believed the party at the ancient site will cost Madonna 30,000 euros ($49,622) with The Times reporting that a US-based events company has made the arrangements.

Will Madonna celebrate her birthday at the Pompeii excavations? What do we knowhttps://t.co/Glb1ed1Ao1 🇮🇹

— MadonnaTribe (@madonnatribe) August 12, 2024

A police spokesman explained to The Times that officers will oversee security outside the park, noting that it was still unclear whether the site would be closed to visitors for the day

The venue has not confirmed the news and the US singer is also yet to speak out about the reports.

Pompeii’s historic landmark was built into a natural hill in the second century BC and was one of the first permanent stone theatres in the Roman empire, seating about 5000 spectators at the time.

These days it is mainly used for concerts, operas and theatre performances, having previously hosted shows by Pink Floyd and David Gilmour.

Some officials have questioned why Madonna needs to stage a party at Pompeii.

Michele Campisi, general secretary of the Italia Nostra heritage association, said: “Why does Madonna need to go to Pompeii? Is there not a more beautiful beach she could use?”

“Thirty thousand euros is absurd. It’s like giving Pompeii away.”

-BANG