Villa dei Quintili e Santa Maria Nova
The largest Roman residential complex in the outskirts of Rome, on the Via Appia, with baths, a nymphaeum, an Antiquarium and the site of Santa Maria Nova.
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About the museum
Located at the fifth milestone of the Via Appia Antica, the Villa dei Quintili is the largest residential complex in the outskirts of Rome. A lead pipe bearing the owners' names shows that it belonged to the brothers Sextus Quintilius Condianus and Sextus Quintilius Valerius Maximus, members of a senatorial family and consuls in AD 151. The Emperor Commodus had them put to death in AD 182/183 on charges of conspiracy, and the residence was confiscated and became imperial property. From then on Commodus and other emperors lived there, leaving their mark in the imposing architecture, the sculptural decoration and the coloured marble linings, which are still well preserved.
The original access to the villa was from the Via Appia Antica, through a large hippodrome-shaped garden with a monumental nymphaeum, whose exedra was transformed in the Middle Ages into a fortification with a tower. Beyond the garden extends the main nucleus, with courtyards, reception rooms, a large bath complex and the rooms of the private residence overlooking the valley. Recent investigations by the Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica have revealed associated entertainment buildings, such as a theatre and a circus, and a cellar with an enoteca (wine shop).
In the modern farmhouse on the Via Appia Nuova an Antiquarium is set up with sculptures, architectural elements and panels reconstructed with polychrome marble inlays. Since 2013 the visit also includes the site of Santa Maria Nova, three hectares of Roman countryside with ruins around a farmhouse, purchased by the State in 2006, where stretches of paved road, a burial area and two black-and-white mosaic floors have been found, one with a gladiator named Montanus and four horses of the circus factiones.
Highlights
- Monumental nymphaeum and hippodrome-shaped garden
- Large bath complex and reception rooms
- Antiquarium with polychrome marble panels
- Mosaics with the gladiator Montanus and the horses of the factiones at Santa Maria Nova
- Remains of a theatre, a circus and a cellar with an enoteca
- Operated by
- Ministero della Cultura – Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
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| Reduced | €2EU young people aged 18 to 24 (up to the day of their 25th birthday) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s (EU and non-EU). |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Reduced rate for holders of the Roma Pass 48h and 72h | €4 |
| Parco dell'Appia Antica ticket (all sites, valid seven days, by reservation) | €12Reduced €2 for EU young people aged 18 to 24. |
| La Mia Appia Card (annual pass) | €25Unlimited admission to all sites of the Park, by reservation. |
The Villa dei Quintili – Santa Maria Nova ticket is valid for the day of purchase only. Free admission also for tour guides, teachers, ICOM members and the other categories provided for by law. Tickets are bought online on the Musei Italiani website, with the Musei Italiani app, or at the kiosks at the entrance to each site (electronic payment cards only).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Appia/Squillace
Metro line A, Colli Albani stop, then bus 664 or 663. Alternatively, from the historic centre, bus 118 from the Celio/Vibenna stop to the Appia/Squillace stop (circular line Villa dei Quintili/Centro Storico).
By car
Parking available
A small car park is at the entrance to the site at Via Appia Nuova 1092.
Entrances from Via Appia Antica 251 and from Via Appia Nuova 1092.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
At the Villa dei Quintili and Santa Maria Nova there are vending machines for drinks and snacks; under the olive trees to the left of the farmhouse there is a refreshment area where a small snack can be eaten.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The site is accessible from the entrances at Via Appia Antica 251 and Via Appia Nuova 1092. For visit information: +39 333 618 0565. |
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