The city of Torre Annunziata contains within it the excavations of Oplontis. In reality, it would more likely be a peripheral area of Pompeii, similar to a district, rather than a proper urban fabric. These excavations consist of two villas, of which currently only the one belonging to Poppea is open to visitors.
The villa of Poppea Sabina, the second wife of Nero, is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is indeed a monumental and expansive residence, to the extent that it even contains a small thermal complex. It is rich in frescoes that create perspective games with fake architectural elements such as doors or columns, or that embellish the walls with depictions of animals, fruit, or masks. At the time of the eruption, the villa was uninhabited because it was undergoing renovation works, as evidenced by the furnishings piled up in a few rooms and construction materials.
The so-called Villa B, attributed to a certain Lucius Crassius Tertius, is not yet open to the public. The large quantity of stacked amphorae, weights, and household items has supported the hypothesis that the structure was primarily intended for warehouses, likely hosting a business involved in the processing and/or commercialization of agricultural products from the surrounding areas. A part of the building was reserved for the residence of the dominus (the owner), and indeed, exquisite frescoes have been found. In this structure, a rich quantity of jewelry and coins has been discovered, along with the remains of 54 individuals, likely gathered in this place due to the mistaken belief that it was safer.
