Villa of the Mysteries, Roman villa in Pompeii, Italy
Villa of the Mysteries is a Roman residence outside the city walls of Pompeii that includes living quarters, service rooms and agricultural areas. The complex spreads across a terraced hillside facing the sea and has about 60 rooms arranged around two courtyards.
The structure originated in the 2nd century BCE as a dwelling and underwent several expansions before being buried under ash during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. After the earthquake of 62 CE, the owners started renovation work that remained unfinished at the time of the disaster.
The triclinium displays a continuous wall cycle with life-sized figures performing ritual acts. Visitors can see the red, black and golden tones that remain visible after almost two millennia.
The entrance sits about 800 meters northwest of the Herculaneum Gate and requires a separate walk outside the main site. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the path follows a paved road with no sidewalk.
The wall paintings show a rare depiction of life-sized female figures, which is uncommon in Roman frescoes. Archaeologists discovered the rooms during excavations in the 1900s almost completely preserved.
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