The Villa of Tiberius was built on a preexisting Republican-Age Villa. Tiberius lived here until 26 AD, when he decided to move to Capri after a landslide.
Let’s figure out how the historical complex is structured.
In addition to the house, there are thermal baths, water supplies and a dock, that let ships stop in the area. Among the main attractions of the Villa there is also the well-known natural grotto.
The Emperor used to spend a lot of time here, among fine marble objects and huge sculptures narrating Odysseus heroic deeds. Just in front of the grotto there’s a large rectangular tub used as a dining room during summer. Waterfalls and jets make the grotto even more spectacular.
The Museum within the archaeological area was built in 1983 – today, it is considered as one of the most interesting museums of the Pontine area, where you can enjoy a magnificent group of marble statues about Odysseus’ adventures.
Several well-preserved finds show the Villa was actually used after the Emperor moved to Capri, in the Late Antiquity. Unfortunately, many artifacts got destroyed as some monks occupied the Villa and adjusted its structure according to their needs.
The Villa of Tiberius is a majestic example of coastal Imperial Roman architecture and undoubtedly one of the must-sees of Sperlonga.