The only monument of the ancient Oplontis currently open to visitors is a large residential villa, yet to be completely unearthed. It dates back to the mid-1st century B.C. and was enlarged during the early Imperial Age. In the past, the villa overlooked the sea offering a panoramic view, and boasted magnificent décor, some exceptional traces of which are still preserved today. According to an inscription painted on an amphora, the villa could have belonged to Poppaea Sabina, Emperor Nero’s second wife, or to her family. The inscription mentioned Sucundus, one of Poppaea’s slaves or freedmen. When the volcano erupted, the villa had probably been mostly empty owing to the work in progress required following damage caused from seismic activity, and resulting in the removal of many architectural and decorative elements. …Read more

Villa B or of Lucius Cassius Tertius, not far from the luxurious villa ‘Poppaea’, is the other main complex of Oplontis. Lucius Cassius Tertius was probably the last owner with his name on a bronze seal found during the excavations. Currently, the building cannot be visited. It was constructed towards the end of 2nd century B.C. and expanded at a later time. It develops around a central space, surrounded by a grey tuff double-order colonnade completely rebuilt with the original column drums and related capitals repositioned back into place. …Read more