Many years ago, at the Smithsonian Museum, I saw an exhibit of wall frescoes from the archeological park at Stabiae, which is near the town of Castellammare di Stabia ( an hour or so from Naples). The frescoes were extraordinarily beautiful and I understand that fragments or partial pieces are on exhibit at the Archeological Museum in Naples. I will visit the museum in Naples but would also like to visit Stabiae. I can't find information about this site. Has anyone visited? is it worth the trip? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Sammamish, WA
403 posts
I have not been there, but found a number of interesting tidbits by poking around the web. Modern Stabia is a little resort town, and it appears there are at least 3 Roman villas you can visit. If you search for Castellammare di Stabia on Tripadvisor, the top listed attraction is the excavation site. It sounds like it's a bit hard to find, but if you are adventurous and inquire, you should be able to find it.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2333 posts
I had also hoped to go there, but it sounds like you'd pretty much have to have a car: http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/862600685/m/3051045662
Posted by
OP
Middletown, New jersey, Usa
22 posts
Janet and Angela: thank you, both. I have been on the sites you recommended and I had to pull myself away to let you know how helpful you both have been.
Grazie Mille!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34242 posts
A couple of years ago we stayed at a great waterfront hotel in Castellammare di Stabia. I tried (and failed) to find the digs, and wound up on a very poor street with just a small sign in a field. Unlike me usually, I gave up. I had tried for two days to find it.
Posted by
OP
Middletown, New jersey, Usa
22 posts
Nigel...thank you for writing. After consulting many books, and now reading your note, I have decided to forgo trying to visit. The Michelin Green Guide mentions Stabiae but it isn't highly rated as a site to see; the other guide books don't even mention it. I'll see the preserved frescoes and artifacts at the Archeological Museum in Naples.