A painted city, a magnificent mosaic, precious marble and monumental architecture are once again bringing ancient Rome to life. At the Baths of Trajan on the Oppian Hill, restoration and enhancement works have been completed on the great exedra and underground gallery as part of the PNRR – Caput Mundi programme.
The project has brought renewed clarity to two remarkable treasures: the Painted City, a roughly ten-square-metre fresco depicting a city seen from above, and the Great Mosaic, a monumental wall decoration featuring an elaborate architectural design reminiscent of a theatrical scaenae frons. The restoration included cleaning, consolidation and conservation treatments.
Archaeological excavations have also uncovered a newly revealed mosaic section depicting a harbour city, with buildings linked to the evocative theme of so-called “seaside villas”. Remains of marble wall coverings and a large niche were also discovered, helping archaeologists reconstruct an imposing room whose walls once reached around twelve metres in height.
The project has also focused on improving the visitor experience, with new pathways, panoramic areas, lighting, educational displays and tiered seating designed to accommodate concerts, conferences and other events. A mechanised connection between the different levels of the complex has also been installed.
The Baths of Trajan, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus and inaugurated in AD 109, covered around 60,000 square metres on the Oppian Hill, incorporating earlier structures, including parts of Nero’s Domus Aurea. The vast complex was intended not only for bathing, but also for sport, culture, socialising and leisure.
The site will initially open to visitors on a trial basis, allowing the impact of visitor numbers on the fragile ancient remains to be carefully monitored. In September, from 12 and 13 September, the gallery and exedra will open at weekends with free guided tours by advance booking. From 2 October, visits will take place from Friday to Sunday, with six daily time slots between 10am and 3pm, limited to 15 visitors per slot. Booking is recommended via 060608.
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