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Roman Villas
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Rich and powerful Romans, on the spur of a fashionable notion, expended important ressources in building villas in the countryside. This itinerary stops at a number of major such structures, starting in Rome and moving south to Campania, another preferred destination for Roman homes away from home. |
| Tivoli |
Villa Adriana is simply a masterpiece, built late during the Empire (IInd century). Truly unique, the villa is a collection of evocations of Hadriens various travels. The architectural development not following the patterns of the time, this structure is a sort of benchmark by contrasts. |
| Albano |
The Imperial villa of Domiziano in Castel Gandolfo was the residence of Claudius, Tiberius, Caligula, Nero and Domiziano - rebuilt or renovated according to the whims of its given occupant. Today, the vast complex is contained within the confines of the papal summer residence. An interesting curiosity is the brigantine ninfeo where naval battle games were held on the water basin for the entertainment pleasure of emperors and popes. Visits to many components of this heritage however require special permission. |
| Anzio |
 Having reached the seashore at this point, we encounter the remains of Nero's port and his (pre-?)sumptuous villa, largely eroded by the sea over time. A visit to the archeological park will bring visitors to the best preserved areas, sur as the library, whereas the museum is custodian to the location's archeological finds. |
| Ponza |
 Before reaching Terracina, on the shores of lake Sabaudia, are the ruins of a Domiziano villa containing interesting structures, such as the thermal baths and gymnasium. From Terracina, a detour towards the island of Ponza will reveal recent, and still ongoing, archeological finds in Pilate's Grotto. A ninfeo and numerous other pieces were extracted upon the emptying of many galleries and wells. |
| Sperlonga |
 Tiberius built a villa in this area of fertile lands and isolated beaches: Spelunca. The main interest in this area is centered around a natural grotto which was transfored into a ninfeo and a seperate area where important sculptures depicting the return of Ulysses were stored. Today they are well kept in the appealing archeological museum. |
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