Villa of the Quintilii Rome
Villa of the Quintilii is located in tranquil countryside and spans an area between the Appian Way and the Appia Nuova (the modern road). The Villa of the Quintilii was the biggest and grandest residence of the Rome. Two wealthy and cultured Quintili brothers built the massive Villa. Emperor Commodus became jealous of this villa, so he had the brothers killed. He then took over the villa for himself and ruled from here.
Villa of the Quintilii had large thermal baths with two thermal chambers with expansive windows and polychrome marbles. It had a circular medium sized amphitheatre as well as huge residential areas. There was also nymphaeum and a large ludus (gladiatorial training and fighting).
Excavations in the 18th and 19th centuries unearthed some sculptures and artifacts. You can see them in the Vatican Museums and others around the world. Recent excavations have brought more rooms to light. The nymphaeum was under restoration when I was there. I was told it should open real soon. Walk along the former rooms of the villa, you see the ruins of the pool and of the dining room. There’s an interesting museum at the entrance showing many of the fantastic statues and other objects that were found on site.
Everything is really imposing in natural surroundings just outside the town. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the ruins in the green fields of the Roman countryside.
Well worth a visit. However be prepared for the extra hike if you are walking the Appian Way. Villa of the Quintilii is located near the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, another must see site. The ticket is combined with the entrance to the tomb of Cecilia Metella and the Baths of Caracalla.
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Phone number: 06 718 2485
Address: Appian Way, 290, 00178 Rome, Italy
Hours: April through October, 9:00 am –7:30 pm daily
November through March, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
(last entry 1hr before closing)
