Welcome to the Excavations of Stabia, an extraordinary archaeological site that stands out for the richness and magnificence of the Roman villas that once rose along the coast of the Gulf of Naples. Stabiae, the ancient name of Stabia, was a residential location highly valued by the Romans for its mild climate, panoramic position, and proximity to the sea. During the Roman era, Stabiae became famous for its aristocratic villas, intended for rest and luxury, immersed in the greenery of the countryside and boasting spectacular views of the sea.
Like Pompeii and Herculaneum, Stabia was also buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, but thanks to this cataclysm, the villas have reached us in an exceptional state of preservation, revealing fascinating details about the life of the Roman aristocracy and the decorative arts of the time.
One of the most impressive villas at the Excavations of Stabia is Villa San Marco, named after a chapel built nearby in the 17th century. This is one of the best-preserved villas and represents an excellent example of a luxurious Roman residence, with numerous decorated rooms and a large garden.
The villa covers an area of over 11,000 square meters and includes a large peristyle—a garden surrounded by a colonnaded porch—that served as a relaxation space for the owners and their guests. This garden, enhanced by fountains and flower beds, overlooked a spectacular panorama of the Gulf of Naples, offering an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape.
Inside, the rooms of the villa are decorated with extraordinary frescoes that testify to the elegance and refined taste of its inhabitants. Among the most relevant spaces is the triclinium, the dining room, which features frescoes with mythological scenes and fantastic landscapes, combining aesthetic beauty with symbolic richness. The calidarium and tepidarium, heated rooms used for private thermal baths, are equally impressive, providing an idea of the importance of well-being in Roman life.
Continuing the visit, another villa of great importance is Villa Arianna, named for a fresco depicting the myth of Ariadne abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos. This villa is known for the beauty and size of its rooms, as well as the richness of its frescoes, which depict mythological scenes and moments of daily life.
The villa featured a large peristyle surrounding the garden, enriched by a decorative pool. The garden was a place where the owners could enjoy nature and tranquility, entertaining their guests in an environment that combined luxury and serenity. The frescoes in the interior rooms, including the cubicula (bedrooms) and triclini (dining rooms), are among the most refined on the site, depicting scenes of banquets, deities, and mythological figures in vibrant colors and accurate details.
The gymnasium attached to the villa, a large courtyard used for physical exercise, was one of the spaces dedicated to well-being and body care, fundamental aspects of Roman culture. Here, the owners and their guests could practice sports and physical activities before relaxing in the villa's private baths.
Like Pompeii and Herculaneum, Stabiae was devastated by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The villas were buried under layers of ash and lapilli, but their hilly location allowed for better preservation compared to other nearby archaeological sites. The excavations, which began in the 18th century during the reign of Charles III of Bourbon, have brought to light much of these splendid residences, offering a glimpse into the life of the aristocracy and the unrestrained luxury that characterized Stabiae.
Unlike Pompeii, Stabiae was not a commercial city, but a vacation and leisure location. Here, the Roman nobility could escape the burdens of political and social life, enjoying the climate, landscape, and tranquility offered by the Campanian coast.
The Antiquarium Museum of Stabia, located near the excavations, collects many of the artifacts found during archaeological explorations. Here, you can admire a wide collection of frescoes, mosaics, statuettes, and everyday objects that provide a detailed overview of daily life in Stabiae.
Among the most significant artifacts are bronze vases and marbles used to decorate the interiors of the villas, as well as jewelry and kitchen utensils that reflect the affluent life of the inhabitants. The Antiquarium offers us a complete vision of the luxury and elegance that characterized Stabiae, revealing a lifestyle based on culture, art, and social gatherings.
In conclusion, the Excavations of Stabia represent a unique opportunity to explore the opulence of the Roman villa and its relationship with nature. The impressive architecture, luxurious decorations, and refined artifacts testify to the richness of daily life in this ancient location, allowing us to understand the values and customs of the Roman aristocracy.
We hope this visit has given you insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy elite of ancient Rome and the beauty of these archaeological treasures.

Thank you for visiting the Excavations of Stabia.