One stop before Pompeii on the Circumvesuviana train is Torre Annunziata, where you’ll discover Oplontis–an amazing villa where the Empress Poppea Sabina, (second wife of Nero) lived.
She was a high-maintenance woman, who insisted upon being carried about by mules shod with golden shoes, and needed to bathe daily in donkey milk, or as some say, the milk of 500 asses.
Romans would come to relax in her villa, that was considered the suburbs of busy Pompeii. Wandering about, through the salons, dining rooms, and interior gardens, you’ll get a feel of what life was like before the whole shebang got covered in lava in that famous 79 a.d. eruption…
Oplontis is much less tourist-filled than Pompeii. In the quiet, with the birds twittering in the oleander trees, let your imagination run free, fantasizing of ancient days…lavish banquets, wild pool parties, romantic trysts…with these frescoes in the background:
Back in Naples, hold on to the dramatic spirit with dinner at Da Dora (Via Ferdinando Palasciano 30, 081 680 519), where the house seafood pasta is divine, and the waitress who bursts into song is so soulful you may find yourself teary-eyed…
Click here for Oplontis Tourist info.
Pompeii was one of my favorite places in Italy. I will have to check out the empress’ villa next time though. I so enjoy your blog and that is why I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Last week I was nominated by Cultural Blog in Vernazza. I wanted to thank you by sending more visitors your way. You can see your nomination with the rules here: http://italyretreat.blogspot.com/2011/12/versatile-blogger-award.html
I can’t wait for my trip to Italy. Those Frescos are inspiring! Thanks for the stories.
Grazie for stopping by Debbie! Hope you get to Italy soon!