Villa di Poppea

About

Villa di Poppea, also known as Villa A, is the sole remaining ancient Roman villa currently open to visitors in the Oplontis archaeological site near Pompeii. Dating back to the mid‑1st century B.C. and expanded during the early Imperial age, the villa once overlooked the sea and featured sumptuous décor now visible in its surviving frescoes and mosaics. Visitors wander through a grand Tuscan atrium, private thermal baths, a sprawling peristyle with a fountain, and a magnificent 61 × 17 m swimming pool that recasts the leisure lifestyle of Rome’s elite. The site showcases exquisite artistic and architectural details: elysian frescoes, sculpted fountains, and a well‑preserved peristyle that once formed the villa’s service quarters. An underground passage leads to a cryptic portico that still glimpses the sea, adding to the villa’s mystique. The surrounding gardens, brimming with mediterranean flora such as oleanders, roses, and cypresses, were revealed through paleobotanical research. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family exploring ancient Rome, or a solo traveler seeking quiet reflection, Villa di Poppea offers a concise, 2‑hour visit that allows you to absorb the architecture’s grandeur while avoiding the crowds that swarm larger Pompeian sites.

Highlights

• Tuscan Atrium
• Peristyle Fountain
• Swimming Pool
• Underground Cryptic Portico

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours

Tickets & pricing