La Torre Annunziata is a modern Italian seaport between Pompeii and Herculaneum (the locations we’ll review sometime later…), and situated in the shadow of the Mt. Vesuvius, the still active Italian volcano.
The excavations from the volcanic eruption from 79.AD in this area are known as the hamlet of Oplontis, and include a rustic villa and bath house. The villa is later to be thought as the greatest of all discoveries associated to the Pompeii area. It is believed to have belonged to Poppaea Sabina, the slave mistress of the roman emperor Nero. Poppaea Sabina later became his wife so the villa is often referred as Villa Poppaea.
The villa has three main sections – the owner’s domain, the servants’ quarters and the “production area”. It gives a great insight into the life of the elite Romans of that time.
Looking at all of the frescoes, survived in most of the rooms, the internal courtyard, and all of the other luxuries, you easily think that this must have been a very cool place!
Another interesting thing of this location is a sight of a small bird petrified from the volcanic eruption while pecking at a fallen fig.
The villa Poppaea is an exquisite view of the roman grandeur unequalled elsewhere in the Pompeii complex.
WHERE IS IT
You can get to the town of Torre Annunziata by train or bus from Naples (Napoli) or Sorrento.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
WHAT ELSE TO SEE
Villa Poppaea is a must-see for an insight into the lives of wealthy Romans, but also visit Sorrento, Caserta, Baia and Cuma.
