img

House of the Vettii

The House of the Vettii is one of the most opulent and well-preserved homes in Pompeii, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of the city's wealthiest residents. This luxurious Roman townhouse belonged to two freedmen, Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva, who were successful merchants. The house is renowned for its stunning frescoes and intricate design, which highlight the owner's wealth and social status. Visitors can explore its grand atrium, beautiful courtyards, and rooms adorned with colorful mythological scenes, making it one of the most visited homes in Pompeii today.

House of the Vettii Tours & Excursions

The Basics

The House of the Vettii is known for its lavish decoration, particularly its vibrant frescoes that cover nearly every wall of the house. These frescoes depict scenes from Roman mythology, with gods and goddesses, including Venus, Mars, and Diana, as well as themes of love and nature. The home features a traditional Roman layout with a spacious atrium, private rooms, and beautifully designed gardens. One of the most remarkable aspects of the house is the preservation of the paintings, which offer a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of wealthy Romans during the 1st century AD.

Things to Know Before You Go

The House of the Vettii is located in the northern part of Pompeii, near the Forum and other key sites. Due to its fragile nature, the house has been partially closed to the public in recent years, so be sure to check the accessibility status before visiting. As with all Pompeii ruins, wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as much of the site is open-air. The house’s intricate frescoes are a major highlight, so be sure to take your time admiring the artwork. Audio guides or guided tours can help you understand the history behind the frescoes and the house’s original inhabitants.

How to Get There

The House of the Vettii is located within the Pompeii Archaeological Park, so once you're inside the park, it's just a short walk from the Porta Marina entrance. If you're traveling from Naples or Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station. From there, the park entrance is a short walk. If you're part of a guided tour, transportation and guided services are typically provided for ease of access.

When to Get There

Like other sites within Pompeii, the best time to visit the House of the Vettii is in the spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer months can be hot, so visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is advisable. The house is often less crowded compared to other Pompeian sites, so you may have a more relaxed experience. In winter, while the crowds thin out, some areas of the site might have restricted access due to weather conditions.

Day Trips from Pompeii

The House of the Vettii can be included in a full day of exploring Pompeii, as it’s near other important ruins like the Forum, Temple of Apollo, and the House of the Faun. If you're in Pompeii for the day, take time to visit other notable sites within the city, including the Amphitheater and Villa of the Mysteries. Afterward, consider a trip to Mount Vesuvius, where you can hike to the crater and enjoy a panoramic view of the bay below. For those looking to explore more of the region, nearby Herculaneum offers an alternative site to visit on the same day.