The Villa of the Mysteries
The Villa of the Mysteries is a splendid Roman villa located in the Park of Pompeii. Due to its elevated position, it offers wonderful views of the excavations and the Gulf of Naples.
Inside there are frescoes depicting some mystery rites, which give the villa its name. This building is important for understanding the lives of the people of Pompeii and the culture of that time.
The history of the Villa of the Mysteries
The villa was built in the 2nd century B.C. and was enlarged during the Augustan period. The house consisted of many rooms and had well-kept hanging gardens.
Near the entrance are the rooms used for preparing food. Beyond these are the stately rooms, the portico with its decorated columns and the veranda with its beautiful view over the Gulf of Naples. To the sides are the rooms where food was served and the spa rooms, which were destroyed by the earthquake.
Its location was ideal. After all, it was close to the sea and the views were great, too. However, in 62 A.D. it was not spared by the earthquake and fell into disrepair until it became an agricultural ruin used as a tool depot to cultivate the land.
In 79 A.D. the Villa of the Mysteries was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The frescoes of the Villa of the Mysteries
The Villa is famous all over the world for its frescoes, which feature different styles according to the period of construction. The frescoes are divided into four different styles: the bedrooms are typical of the first and second style, while the tablinum and the spa rooms are typical of the third and fourth style and are similar to Egyptian art.
The triclinium is frescoed in a style representing the final phase of ancient Pompeian art. Dating back to the 1st century B.C., they depict life-size subjects in a style reminiscent of ancient Greece.
Where is the Villa of the Mysteries located?
Starting from Porta Marina, cross the Forum and continue to Porta Ercolano. Then, head towards Via dei Sepolcri, which will lead you to the Villa of the Mysteries.
