VILLA OF THE MYSTERIES

The most famous set of frescoes is in the so-called Villa of the Mysteries outside the city walls. You can reach it by exiting from Porta di Ercolano, walking along Via dei Sepolcri lined with tombs, and going past the Villa of Diomede. Unfortunately, it is not always open to the public, so check before you go! In one of the rooms you'll be able to admire a cycle of large-scale scenes made by a local artist. It has remained practically intact, and depicts a series of rituals and ceremonies that a young woman undergoes to become acquainted with the "mysteries" of an Oriental religion.