Villa di Giulia Felice (House of Julia Felix), Pompei

The House of Julia Felix is one of Pompeii’s largest and most distinctive private properties, named after its owner, Julia Felix. Following the devastating earthquake of 62 AD, which struck seventeen years before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, she adapted part of the estate into rental accommodation while opening other sections, including baths and gardens, for public use.

The complex combines residential, commercial, and leisure spaces arranged around several atria, enclosed gardens, and a private water supply. Visitors can still appreciate the scale of the estate, which was clearly designed for wealthy occupants. Many walls remain covered with frescoes, including elegant Fourth-Style paintings featuring lush vegetation, villas, sanctuaries, flying figures, and still-life scenes. The tablinum, overlooking the large eastern garden, was among the most richly decorated rooms.

Particularly notable are the private baths and the summer dining area. Since many of Pompeii’s public baths were closed for repairs after the earthquake, these facilities were likely popular among respectable citizens. The dining rooms overlooked landscaped gardens with pools, fountains, and fruit trees arranged in neat plots.