A luxury old roman resort
Stabiae was an ancient Roman town, close to the modern town of Castellammare di Stabia and not far from Pompeii. It was positioned on a 50 m high headland overlooking the Gulf of Naples.Being only 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Mount Vesuvius, this seaside resort was largely destroyed by two metres of tephra ash in 79 AD.
Originally a small port, by the 6th century BC Stabiae had already been overshadowed by the much larger port at Pompeii. The town was destroyed by Lucius Cornelius Sulla on 30 April 89 BC during the Social War, a revolt by many of Rome’s allies in the area. Historian Pliny the Elder recorded that the town was rebuilt and became a popular resort for wealthy Romans. Luxury villas were built everywhere, all with a stunning view over the bay.