The largest suburban villa of ancient Rome

Along the Via Appia, scattered across the fields of the Roman countryside, lie the towering ruins of the Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili): the vast, lavish suburban villa of ancient Rome. So sprawling that in the Middle Ages people believed it was an entire city, which they called "Roma Vecchia" (Old Rome). Once home to the cultured Quintilii brothers and later seized by Emperor Commodus, today it is a spectacular and still uncrowded archaeological site, with monumental baths, a nymphaeum, and sweeping views over the countryside and the aqueducts.

Why visit the Villa dei Quintili

The Villa dei Quintili offers the magic of a great archaeological site far from the crowds: you wander among imposing baths, residential quarters, and gardens, picturing the luxury of an imperial residence. It is perfect for anyone who loves authentic ancient Rome set deep in the landscape of the Via Appia Antica, and for travelers seeking a peaceful alternative to the sites in the city center.

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What to see at the Villa dei Quintili

The site preserves grandiose structures:

  • The monumental baths (frigidarium, the cold room; tepidarium, the warm room; calidarium, the hot room) with their great windows.
  • The nymphaeum that served as a dramatic entrance facing the Appian Way.
  • The residential quarters and the remains of the aqueduct.
  • The farmhouse of Santa Maria Nova, with its antiquarium and finds.

Dig deeper in what to see at the Villa dei Quintili.

The history: the Quintilii and Commodus

The villa belonged to the Quintilii brothers, consuls and refined intellectuals of the 2nd century. Their wealth drew the envy of Emperor Commodus, who had them accused of conspiracy and killed, taking the villa for himself and turning it into an imperial residence. It is a story of power and cruelty that you can uncover in the guide the Villa dei Quintili and Commodus.

Tickets and how to get there

Admission is generally with a ticket for the Appia Antica Archaeological Park, often valid for the Tomb of Cecilia Metella as well (hours and prices are indicative, so check the official website). You will find every detail in tickets and opening hours for the Villa dei Quintili. To plan your trip, see how to get to the Villa dei Quintili.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Villa dei Quintili? The largest suburban villa of ancient Rome, on the Appian Way, once owned by the Quintilii brothers and later seized by Emperor Commodus. Today it is an archaeological site with monumental baths and a nymphaeum.

Why was it called "Roma Vecchia"? Because in the Middle Ages its ruins were so vast that people believed an ancient city had once stood there.

What can you see at the Villa dei Quintili? The great baths, the entrance nymphaeum, the residential quarters, the aqueduct, and the antiquarium in the farmhouse of Santa Maria Nova.

Is the ticket also valid for Cecilia Metella? Usually yes: the ticket for the Appia Antica Archaeological Park includes the Villa dei Quintili and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. Check the official website.

Where is it located? Along the Via Appia, in the southern part of Rome, set deep in the countryside of the Via Appia Antica.

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Article #648 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026