About
The House of the Vettii is one of the best-known private homes in Pompeii, the Roman city in Campania, southern Italy, that was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius. Visitors come to see it as a window into domestic life for the city's wealthier families, and it is among the most richly decorated houses in the excavated town.
What you will see
The house is valued for its state of preservation. Its frescoes and mosaics remain a clear picture of how an upper-class household in Pompeii presented itself to guests and to the street. Walking through the rooms, you can follow the layout of a family home of that period and compare the decoration of its main reception spaces with more modest houses nearby.
- Frescoes that give a sense of the house's original colour and style
- Mosaic floors laid with detailed patterns
- Rooms arranged around a central courtyard, typical of Roman homes of the wealthy
Planning your visit
The House of the Vettii sits within the archaeological site of Pompeii, so it is best seen as part of a longer visit to the ruins. Allow time to move slowly through the rooms, since the detail in the decoration rewards close looking. Comfortable shoes are useful, as the site is extensive and paved with ancient stone that can be uneven.
Beyond the site, the surrounding Campania region offers the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the town of Naples itself, all within reach for those wishing to round out a trip. For anyone interested in Roman history, the House of the Vettii makes a rewarding stop in a region rich in ancient sites.
