Oplontis and the Villa of Poppaea
In Torre Annunziata, a few minutes by train from Pompei, an imperial villa of otium with gardens and frescoes of outstanding quality.
Poppaea's villa
The Villa Poppaea at Oplontis is traditionally attributed to Poppaea Sabina, wife of Nero. It was a villa of otium — a resting and reception residence — destroyed like Pompeii by the eruption of 79 AD.
Frescoes and gardens
Its Fourth Style frescoes are among the best preserved in the Roman world: rooms painted with illusionistic architecture, gardens replanted with ancient species, and a large swimming pool that once commanded the view. The staircase and private baths show the villa's luxury.
A UNESCO site
Oplontis belongs, together with Pompeii and Herculaneum, to the UNESCO site «Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata». Despite its importance the site is far less crowded: you can walk it slowly, often almost alone.
Getting there
By Circumvesuviana from Pompei you reach the Torre Annunziata Oplonti station in a few minutes, with the park within walking distance. The visit takes about an hour and pairs ideally with Boscoreale or Stabiae for a quieter but richly rewarding day.