Stabiae
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 19 January 2024
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The Stabiae Archaeological Park is located in the Metropolitan City of Naples province, around 27 kilometres from Naples centre.
The site consists of two Roman villas: Villa Arianna and Villa San Marco, both of which are within a short walk of each other. During the summer the park opens from 08:30 to 19:30 and entry is free. The nearest train station is Via Nocera, 1.7 km away. |
Related links
Opening-times:
April to October: from 08:30 to 19:30 (last entry 18:00) November to March: from 08:30 to 17:00 (last entry 15:30) |
Prices:
Adults and children: Free entry |
Profile
The Stabiae archaeological site is an ancient Roman settlement located near the modern town of Castellammare di Stabia in the Campania region of Italy. It is an important archaeological site that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, along with Pompeii and Herculaneum. Stabiae offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the remains of a Roman town and gain insights into the lifestyle and culture of its ancient inhabitants.
Stabiae was originally founded as a Greek settlement in the 7th century BC and later became a Roman colony. It was an affluent coastal town known for its beautiful villas, favored as holiday retreats by wealthy Romans.
Stabiae was originally founded as a Greek settlement in the 7th century BC and later became a Roman colony. It was an affluent coastal town known for its beautiful villas, favored as holiday retreats by wealthy Romans.
History
Stabiae enjoyed prosperity during the Roman period, thanks to its scenic location and the presence of luxurious villas. However, its fate took a tragic turn when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The volcanic eruption buried the town under several meters of ash and debris, preserving its structures and artifacts for centuries.
The rediscovery of Stabiae began in the 18th century, and archaeological excavations have been ongoing since then, revealing a wealth of information about Roman life and culture.
The rediscovery of Stabiae began in the 18th century, and archaeological excavations have been ongoing since then, revealing a wealth of information about Roman life and culture.
Key features
- Villa San Marco: One of the most significant and well-preserved structures in Stabiae is the Villa San Marco. This luxurious villa belonged to a wealthy Roman family and features beautifully decorated rooms, frescoes, and a stunning view of the Bay of Naples.
- Villa Arianna: Villa Arianna is another impressive villa at the site, known for its extensive grounds and elaborate decorations, including frescoes and intricate mosaics.
- Suburban Baths: The site also contains well-preserved public baths, providing insights into the Roman bathing culture.
Visitor information
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available to provide historical context and insights into the history and architecture of Stabiae.
- Visitor Center: The site has a visitor center with exhibits and informative materials about the history and culture of Stabiae and the impact of the Vesuvius eruption.
- Accessibility: The site is generally accessible, but some areas may have uneven terrain.
- Nearby Attractions: Stabiae is located close to other famous archaeological sites, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, making it an ideal destination for exploring the region's ancient history.
Scavi Archeologici di Stabia
Comune: Castellammare di Stabia
Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Region: Campania Nearest train station: Via Nocera (1.7 km) Close by: Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Villa Oplontis, Herculaneum Recommended stay: La Medusa Hotel- Dimora di Charme |