Villa Poppaea, Roman villa in Torre Annunziata, Italy
Villa Poppaea is an ancient Roman residential building in Torre Annunziata featuring more than 90 rooms decorated with frescoes and marble columns. The complex spreads across a large area with multiple courtyards and pools for private use.
The residence was buried under volcanic material after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and remained hidden for centuries. Its rediscovery took place in the 1800s during excavation work for an aqueduct system.
The wall paintings show Roman artistic techniques that create the illusion of depth through painted columns and architectural elements. These images reveal how wealthy Romans understood beauty and decorated their homes.
The site is best reached by public transportation, particularly the Circumvesuviana train that stops in Torre Annunziata. Plan your visit for early in the day when there are fewer visitors.
The grounds contain remains of ancient plants including olive and lemon trees that archaeologists have preserved. These botanical finds give visitors a rare glimpse into the gardens of Roman wealth.
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