easy
2 hours
Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility; involves walking on uneven ground.
Discover the remarkable Roman villas of Stabiae with Askos Tours. From vivid frescoes to ocean-view terraces, this guided journey reveals a coastal luxury buried in time.
€180 per tour | Enjoy a guided tour of the rich Roman residential villas of Stabia
Discover the ancient splendor of Stabiae on a guided tour of its remarkable Roman villas, Villa San Marco and Villa Arianna. Explore stunning frescoes, mosaics, and well-preserved thermal baths while learning about the luxurious lifestyles of the patricians who once inhabited this coastal paradise, buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Private Group: € 180
Max. number of people: 15 | All ages
2 hours
A few kilometers from Pompeii ruins, there is the archaeological site of the ancient town of Stabiae, in today’s Castellammare di Stabia. It enjoys an excellent strategic position thanks to its terraces overlooking the sea. Here, in Roman times, the great patricians used to spend their holidays and build large and sumptuous panoramic villas.
Stabiae as well suffered from the fate of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The excavation of the site began with the Bourbons in 1749 and is still ongoing today. Archaeologists’ research has brought to light three sumptuous residential villas with beautiful frescoes and mosaics.
The first one is Villa S. Marco which, thanks to its surface of 11,000 square meters, is one of the largest residential Roman villas; then, there is Villa Arianna, which is the oldest and owes its name to the large painting depicting Ariadne abandoned by Theseus at Nasso found in the back wall of the triclinium; lastly, the “Second complex” of the Varano.
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Danish
Ruins have uneven terrain; closed shoes with good grip are essential for safe walking.
The tour covers spacious sites with limited shade, so hydration is key, especially in summer.
Public transit is limited; renting a car or arranging private transfer ensures timely access between villas.
Photography is allowed but be mindful of protected frescoes and restricted areas.
Stabiae was a favored seaside retreat for Roman aristocrats before being eclipsed by Pompeii and Herculaneum due to the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption.
Ongoing archaeological work prioritizes sustainable preservation to protect frescoes and masonry from weathering and visitor impact.
Provides support and traction on uneven archaeological terrain.
Staying hydrated is crucial during hot days with minimal shade.
summer specific
Protects against sun exposure on open villa terraces.
summer specific
Useful for unexpected spring showers during the tour.
spring specific