Villa Oplontis & Stabiae: discover the Hidden Treasures with your Archaeologist

Overview

Among the archaeological locations of Vesuvius, buried following the dramatic eruption of 79 A.D., Oplontis is probably the one that offers the most significant monumental testimonies of the Pompeian suburb: your local expert Archaeologist will guide you to these unforgettable places! Currently the only visiting monument of the ancient Oplontis is a large residential villa: it belonged to Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of Emperor Nero, or the heritage of her family, based on the testimony of an inscription painted on a mentioned amphora Sucundus, his slave or freedman. This place is a kind of miracle: the the wall paintings are still today vivid in colors and details… You’ll be totally AMAZED! Stabiae played an important strategic and commercial role: there are numerous villas in a panoramic position, conceived mainly for residential purposes, with large residential neighborhoods, spa facilities, porches and beautifully decorated nymphs. Currently you can visit 'Villa S. Marco' the largest among the Roman 'villas' and 'Villa Arianna', the oldest, which owes its name to the large painting with mythological subject found in the back wall of the triclinium. It’s very fascinating to see how the eruption was so distructive, even among the smallest villages – not as big as Pompeii and Herculaneum – and how everything is preserved as well!