Villa Oplontis: the magnificent Roman villa of Poppaea in Torre Annunziata
Just five minutes by car from Torre del Greco lies one of the least-known yet most captivating archaeological treasures in Campania: Villa Oplontis, specifically Villa A known as "Poppaea's Villa", a sumptuous 1st-century BC Roman residence buried by the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius and rediscovered in the 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Pompeii and Herculaneum, the villa is one of the finest examples of luxury Roman residential architecture ever found: with over 100 rooms, an imposing peristyle, a large open-air swimming pool and a richly frescoed garden. The villa is believed to have belonged to Poppaea Sabina, second wife of Emperor Nero, though this attribution is still debated by historians. The frescoes adorning the walls are among the most beautiful and best-preserved in the Roman world: tall, luminous panels rich with architectural trompe-l'œil motifs and scenes of daily and mythological life in the Second Pompeian Style. O'Vesuvio B&B in Torre del Greco is literally a stone's throw away: five minutes by car makes this unmissable even for a short afternoon visit, easily combined with Herculaneum or Pompeii.
How to Get There
By car from Torre del Greco towards Torre Annunziata: just 5 minutes along the coastal road. The villa is in the centre of Torre Annunziata, well signposted. By train: Torre Annunziata FS station is a 10-minute walk away.
Highlights
- ✓
1st-century BC Roman villa attributed to Poppaea Sabina, wife of Emperor Nero
- ✓
Wall frescoes among the best preserved in the ancient world: tall Second Pompeian Style panels
- ✓
Large 60-metre open-air swimming pool: unique in size among known Roman villas of the Vesuvian area
- ✓
Over 100 rooms with varied decorations: a journey into the opulence of 1st-century Roman aristocracy
- ✓
UNESCO World Heritage: part of the serial site "Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata"
💡 Practical Tip
The villa is far less crowded than Pompeii or Herculaneum: even in peak season you can visit at a leisurely pace. Check opening hours on the official website as they may vary.
Stay at O'Vesuvio B&B
Just 20 minutes from the main attractions of the Bay of Naples. Book directly and save on commissions.