Villa of the Mysteries
The Villa of the Mysteries is a splendid Roman villa in the Park of Pompeii. It is located in a raised position and for this reason it offers a wonderful view of the excavations but also a view of the Gulf of Naples.
Inside there are frescoes depicting some mystery rites from which the name of the Villa derives. This building was fundamental to know better the life of the men of Pompeii and to know better the culture of that time.
The history of the Villa of the Mysteries
It was built in the second century B.C. and was enlarged in the Augustan period. The house consisted of many rooms and had well-kept hanging gardens.
Near the entrance are the rooms for the preparation of food, continuing there are the stately rooms, the porch with the decorated columns and the veranda with the beautiful view of the Gulf of Naples. On the sides, the room where food was served and the spa rooms that were destroyed by the earthquake.
Its location, close to the sea and with great views, was ideal. 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 dei Misteri was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius.
The frescoes of the Villa of Mysteries
The Villa is famous all over the world for its frescoes with a different style according to the period of construction. The frescoes are of four different styles: the bedrooms are typical of the first and second style while the tablino and the spa rooms are typical of the third and fourth style and are similar to the Egyptian.
The triclinium is frescoed with a style that represents the last styles of the art of ancient Pompeii. They date back to the first century B.C. and represent life-size subjects in a style very similar to that used in ancient Greece.
Where is the Villa of Mysteries?
From the entrance of Porta Marina, cross the Forum and continue to the Porta Ercolano after which you continue towards Via dei Sepolcri that will lead to the Villa dei Misteri.
