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

The House (Praedia) of Julia Felix is a sizable property, originally a private home, named after its previous owner. After a significant earthquake in 62 AD, which preceded the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD that ultimately devastated the city, the owner had part of the building transformed into rental housing while retaining another portion for public use.

This location comprises both indoor and outdoor spaces centered around atria – courtyards where the main rooms open, alongside enclosed gardens and a private water source. Various areas of the property allowed for both indoor and outdoor seating, adorned with frescoes depicting scenes of leisure and gardens.

The grandeur of the architecture and the high-quality decorations suggest that the building was intended for wealthy and prestigious residents. The walls remain nearly entirely covered in frescoes. The tablinum, which faces the large garden to the east, must have been particularly impressive, boasting Fourth-Style frescoes with green plants on a black background, panels depicting villas, sanctuaries, and flying figures, and a frieze of still-life panels.

Among the most extravagant features of the property were the summer dining area and baths, catering primarily to respectable citizens. Given that most public baths in Pompeii were closed for repairs after the earthquake of 62 AD, it's likely that these baths saw frequent use.

The dining room exuded elegance and warmth, reminiscent of the elite villas in the countryside or on the coast, overlooking gardens with small pools and waterfalls. The expansive rear garden contained fruit trees within large squares, bordered by low wooden fences.

The remains of the House were unearthed during archaeological excavations in 1755.