Private Tours - Personal Guides

Today, ancient Oplontis can be visited through an extraordinary residential villa, still partially unexcavated, dating back to the mid-1st century BC and expanded during the early Imperial period. Originally, the residence overlooked the sea from a privileged panoramic position and was adorned with refined decorative elements, many of which remain exceptionally well preserved. According to some interpretations, the villa may have belonged to Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of Emperor Nero, or to her family, as suggested by an inscription found on an amphora mentioning a slave or freedman connected to her household.

At the time of the AD 79 eruption, the villa was likely partially unoccupied due to renovation works, possibly initiated after earlier seismic damage, which led to the removal of several architectural and decorative elements. This detail adds an additional layer of fascination today, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into a place suspended in time.

A short distance away lies the Archaeological Area of Stabiae, a remarkable yet lesser-known gem where visitors can explore some of the most elegant Roman villas of the Vesuvian region, including Villa San Marco, a luxurious residence rich in decoration and refined spaces, and Villa Arianna, named after the famous fresco depicting the myth of Ariadne.

It is truly surprising to discover how, in sites less famous than Pompeii and Herculaneum, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius proved both destructive and preservative, allowing these places to reach us with an extraordinary sense of authenticity.

An exclusive experience combining archaeology, art, and Vesuvian landscapes — perfect for travelers seeking hidden treasures with the guidance of an expert.