A site of extraordinary historical and archaeological importance is back in the spotlight thanks to the 2025–2026 excavation campaign conducted at Villa Sora , in the municipality of Torre del Greco. The study day, hosted at Palazzo Vallelonga and organized as part of the European Archaeological Days 2026, revealed surprising details about this late Republican and early Imperial era residential complex, known for its scenic location on the Gulf of Naples and its status as a luxury senatorial and imperial villa.
The research, the first systematic investigation of the site in over thirty years, was made possible thanks to a €150.000 grant from the Ministry of Culture and the support of the Packard Humanities Institute, along with the Municipality of Torre del Greco. Scientifically coordinated by Domenico Camardo, Marina Caso, and Federica Colaiacomo, director of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, the excavations focused specifically on Room 22, a room of approximately 10 square meters featuring exceptionally refined painted decoration.
Among the most significant discoveries are numerous fragments of frescoed plaster dating back to around 50 AD, with decorative motifs including golden candelabras animated by herons and a ceiling adorned with garlands and mythological figures, including a rare winged ichthyocentaur, depicted with great dynamism and attention to chiaroscuro details.
No less important were the architectural finds discovered, such as a Corinthian capital in white marble of fine workmanship, together with three decorated lead cistae, all elements which indicate that the villa was undergoing construction work at the time of the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The investigations also allowed us to reconstruct the sequence of destructive events caused by the pyroclastic flows, which led to the collapse of the structures and roofs. The project will continue with further excavation campaigns, aimed at expanding the investigated area and creating new visitor routes, to further enhance this extraordinary archaeological heritage.
Federica Colaiacomo emphasized how opening the construction sites to the public and sharing the discoveries immediately represents an added value for the European Archaeological Days, confirming Villa Sora as an essential reference point for the ancient history of the Gulf of Naples.
Interesting news about Villa Sora but the description seems a bit confused and with too many superlatives. The finds have been described as extraordinary but the data and texts are not clear. The 2025-26 campaign is useful but the researchers should explain the methodologies better and the routes for the public should be more controlled and safe.