This magnificent Villa was discovered in the eighteenth century and completely excavated only in the 1960’s. It was built in the first century BC, as proved by the second style frescoes, and then enlarged several times in the 1st century AD, with new frescoes of the third and fourth style.

Damaged by the earthquake of 63 AD, the villa was still under repair when it was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius. It belonged to the Imperial House and was attributed to Poppaea, the wife of Emperor Nero.

 It had all the traditional elements of Roman architecture. First of all, the atrium with impluvium to collect rainwater and store it in a subterranean cistern. The walls had splendid frescoes with fake architectures: columns covered with golden branches and precious gems, animals such as the peacock. The charred remains of the wooden door have been found there.

 The enlargement of the 1st century AD added a triple portico surrounding a large swimming pool, accessed with few steps descended. A sumptuous triclinium paved in opus sectile opened onto the portico, with perspective views towards the frescoed side rooms. There are beautiful "still lifes", one with a glass bowl full of lemons and another with a basket of figs.

 The villa also had a private thermal plant and service quarters for slaves with a huge kitchen. There also was a torcularium that is a press for the production of oil or wine. Since the imprints of the roots of the trees have been found, it was possibile to reconstruct the ancient orchard.

‼️ A luxurious 'second house’!