Casa dei Vettii

Really is the star of the show . The artefacts the murals the ceilings and floor tiling areall on show at their best and from a time that is incomprehensible. It truly is amazing and deserves to be at the top of everything that Pompeii professes to be and is. Do not miss this make it at the top of your must see list if you go to Pompeii. This is the original and first areas to be considered excavated and was why I returned 35 years later. Magnificent breath catching history at its best.

This luxurious residence houses an impressive collection of Fresco decorations typical of the wall paintings in the houses of rich Pompeian traders. The excavation techniques used made it possible to preserve, in almost all the rooms in the complex, the fourth-style figure paintings completed after the earthquake of 62 A.D..The brothers Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva commissioned their Fresco decorations from one of the leading artists; workshops so that their home would be not only a comfortable residence but also a status symbol. The house is divided into two areas firstly, the part in which the family lived, laid out around the main Atrium and the Peristyle with its beautiful garden (this house does not have the Atrium and the peristyle which was used as a sort of office for the household business. This was where the tabulae, or accounts and other documents, were kept. 'Tablinum which was traditionally built between the two, opposite the main entrance); and secondly, the part where the servants lived and worked, on the right of the entrance hall and centred around a small Atrium with a Lararium. The wall facing the entrance is decorated with a Fresco of Priapus weighing his phallus on a pair of scales and a sheep with the attributes of Mercury, the god of financial income, which here serve to protect the house from bad luck and as propitiatory symbols of wealth. The Atrium is decorated with scenes depicting sacrifices, hunts and cupids while two strong-boxes are anchored to stone blocks in the floor.The decision to site them here can probably be explained by the desire of the masters of the house to underline their wealth and importance. The rooms laid out on the left of the entrance hall are decorated with mythological subjects, which are described below.On the right-hand wall in the first room we can see a Fresco depicting the myth of Leander swimming towards his beloved Hero, while the opposite wall portrays Ariadne abandoned by Theseus on Naxos.

One of the most beautiful house in Pompei. It’s very interesting to see all the beautiful paintings. They are beautiful preserved. Take time to visit them!

The Casa dei Vettii, or House of the Vettii, is an exquisite example of Pompeian architecture, showcasing the opulence and cultural vibrancy of its time. This splendid residence features elaborate frescoes that depict mythological scenes and lavish ornamentation, reflecting the wealth of its former owners. The harmonious layout, including a stunning atrium and lush garden, invites visitors to envision the lively social gatherings that once took place within its walls. As you explore the intricately decorated rooms, you are transported into a world of ancient luxury and artistry, making the Casa dei Vettii a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history of Pompeii. Each detail tells a story, revealing the intimate connection between art, culture, and daily life in this captivating ancient city.

One of the best houses I seen in Pompeii, love the walls paints, it’s just magical how they survive so many years and they are so perfectly artistic. If I can I will copy those for my house. Just stunning

This house sports some of the best preserved interiors in the entire city of Pompeii. It is especially famous for its frescoes some of which have survived almost intact and others have been restored. The house also features fully roofed rooms which provide a welcome shade and really allow you to imagine what some of these places must have looked like two thousand years ago. Recommended.

At the entrance of the House of the Vettii in Pompeii, there is a depiction of Priapus, the Greek god of fertility and abundance, holding a scale that weighs his erect phallus against a bag of coins. This seemingly provocative image symbolized the homeowners' prosperity. Additionally, in a room near the kitchen of the house, which was likely used as quarters for enslaved household members, there are erotic paintings. An inscription on the entrance hall wall advertises the services of Eutychis, described as a Greek woman with pleasant manners, available for two copper coins. Experts now believe that this room may have functioned as a small brothel.

Second time visiting Pompeii and the relatively recently opened House of Vetti was a real highlight. My husband and I were the last visitors on Sunday evening so we had the house and the spectacular paintings almost to ourselves. It blew our minds, after the Villa of Mysteries.