Villa dei Misteri, Pompeii

Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, Pompei, NA 80045

The strange history of the Villa dei Misteri, Pompeii

Pompeii is known for its abundance of amazing sites, preserved in time by the flowing ash and pumice that covered the city in AD 79. From the ornate amphitheatres to the giant columns of the forum, the grand Temple of Isis and the Stabian Baths, you can easily fill a memorable day meandering around this incredible landmark.

But one of the stranger sites that is sure to fascinate you on your visit to Pompeii is the Villa dei Misteri, otherwise known as “the Villa of Mysteries”. The well-preserved suburban villa, located right on the outskirts of Pompeii, is famous for its frescoes, housed in one room and detailing the mysterious initiation rites of a woman into a Dionysian mystery cult.

What makes the Villa of Mysteries such a fascinating site is the way in which scholars haven’t been able to fully interpret the frescoes, leaving the bizarre scenes largely open to the viewer’s interpretation (and what they may have read prior to visiting!).

The Villa of Mysteries makes up part of Pompeii’s fascinating history, and so what are some of the other amazing sites in this once great Roman city?

• The Antiquarium

  Pompeii’s antiquarium is a great place to start before actually wandering the grounds of this ancient city. The antiquarium serves as a museum, housing important artefacts that reflect everyday life in the city before it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’ wrath.

• The Forum

  Pompeii’s forum was once the center of town life, where decisions were made and judgements passed down. The marvellous columns of the forum remain magnificently intact, while the forum itself is bordered by some of Pompeii’s most impressive buildings, including the Temple of Jupiter and the basilica.

• The Theatres

  Because no Roman city was complete without at least one theatre. Luckily for history lovers, Pompeii has two, with the Teatro Grande and Teatro Piccolo displaying the town’s love for entertainment both big and small.

• The House of Menander

  Another well-preserved house on the grounds of Pompeii, the House of Menander was owned by a wealthy merchant who really wanted his neighbours to know of his great status. The entrance is flanked by pillars with Corinthian capitals, leading to a spectacular home complete with intact temple, atrium and scenes depicting The Iliad.

  With so many incredible sites to see at Pompeii, it’s certainly best to allow yourself at least half a day to wander its stunning grounds – it’s totally worth the experience!