This villa was the biggest and most sumptuous residence in the Roman suburbs. The original nucleus belonged to the Quintilii, a family of consuls in 151 A.D. It was then enlarged when the villa became the Imperial property of Emperor Commodus. Commodus loved staying there, because of the tranquillity of the countryside and the benefits of the thermal baths built in the villa.

Villa of the Quintilii covers an area that stretches from Via Appia Antica to Via Appia Nuova and is built around a large square. The most empowering building nucleus is the circular edifice which once used to be the patrons’ and servants’ area: it is divided into many rooms and two big thermal halls, one for the calidarium and one for the frigidarium. They are fourteen metres high, have wide windows and are made of polychrome marble.

The monumental complex overlooks terraces on the Roman countryside and offers a sight that has inspired many famous artists over time.