National Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga: The Myth of Ulysses and the Legacy of Tiberius

Set between the sea and the hills of southern Lazio, the National Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Located just a short distance from the picturesque village of Sperlonga, the museum — together with the Archaeological Area of the Villa of Tiberius — offers a unique experience that blends Roman history with the fascination of Greek mythology.

The Villa of Tiberius and the Discovery of the Masterpieces

In 1957, during the construction of the Via Flacca, the remains of a magnificent Roman villa were unearthed. It was soon identified as the summer residence of Emperor Tiberius, who loved to retire here. The villa’s main feature is a large natural grotto, which Tiberius had transformed into a summer dining room, complete with a fish pond and, most impressively, a monumental sculptural decoration.

The grotto was adorned with colossal marble sculptures that depicted the adventures of Ulysses, the Homeric hero greatly admired by the emperor. These masterpieces, created by sculptors from Rhodes, were found in thousands of fragments. The museum, built in 1963 specifically for this purpose, was designed to reassemble these fragments and display the sculptures as faithfully as possible to their original arrangement.

The Collections: The Odyssey in Marble

The museum’s exhibition unfolds like a visual retelling of the Odyssey. Among its most famous works are:

• The Group of Scylla and Ulysses’ Ship: a dramatic and dynamic scene portraying the sea monster attacking the hero’s vessel.
• The Blinding of Polyphemus: a powerful composition depicting Ulysses and his companions driving a stake into the Cyclops’ eye.
• The Theft of the Palladium: Ulysses and Diomedes stealing the sacred statue of Athena from Troy.
• The Head of Ulysses: an iconic piece capturing the hero’s face in a moment of intense emotion and determination.

In addition to these sculptural masterpieces, the museum also houses mosaics, household items, coins, and ceramics from the villa, offering a vivid glimpse into the luxury and daily life of an imperial residence.

Visitor Information

A visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga is best complemented by a walk through the adjacent archaeological site. The Grotto of Tiberius, with its pools and the bases of the statues, allows visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of the emperor’s mythological setting.

• Address: Via Flacca, km 16.300, 04029 Sperlonga (LT)
• Contacts:
  • Tel: +39 0771 548028
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • Generally open Wednesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (closing times may vary seasonally).
  • Last admission one hour before closing.
• Tickets:
  • Full price: €7.00 (may vary).
  • Reduced price: €2.00 (for EU citizens aged 18–25).
  • Free admission: for visitors under 18 and on the first Sunday of every month.

The National Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga is not just a treasure of ancient art, but also a place where myth, history, and the sea meet — offering a timeless dialogue between Homeric legend and imperial grandeur.

Cover photo credits: MM, public domain