Villa of the Papyri

The Villa of the Papyri is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Herculaneum, a sprawling Roman villa that once belonged to a wealthy patrician, possibly Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus. It gained fame for its library, the only one from the ancient world to survive intact, containing over 1,800 carbonized papyrus scrolls. These scrolls, primarily works of Epicurean philosophy, are still being deciphered using modern imaging techniques. The villa itself is a masterpiece of Roman architecture, with a large peristyle garden, bronze and marble statues, and elaborate frescoes. Although much of the villa remains unexcavated due to its depth, visitors can see some of the artifacts in the Naples National Archaeological Museum and a reconstruction of the villa's layout at the Herculaneum site. The villa's design inspired the Getty Villa in Malibu, California.

Don't miss

• Learn about the carbonized papyrus scrolls and the ongoing efforts to read them.
• See the bronze and marble statues found in the villa, now in the Naples Museum.
• Explore the villa's layout, including the large peristyle garden and luxurious rooms.
• Visit the reconstruction of the villa's library at the Herculaneum site.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Villa of the Papyri

Cheapest way inSecret Herculaneum: The Hidden Treasure of Ancient Roman Civilization4.9★ · 29 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$34 per personSee dates →Most bookedPompeii Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist4.8★ · 7,289 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$34 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Walking Tour through the Historical City of Herculaneum5★ · 52 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →