Authorities in Rome unveiled a significant archaeological find on September 8, revealing what experts believe to be the largest ancient Roman fresco and mosaic ensemble discovered to date. These artworks, dating back to the first century A.D., depict a maritime city and are located within the Baths of Trajan on the Oppio hill near the Colosseum.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri presented the recently restored fresco, known as the “Painted City,” alongside the “Great Mosaic,” both found in an underground gallery during excavations in the 1990s. This marks the first time that these remarkable pieces have been accessible to the public. Initial visits are limited to small groups of 15 people on weekends during a trial phase intended to monitor the impact of humidity and environmental conditions on the delicate artworks before expanding access.
The fresco offers a bird's-eye view of a walled port city, featuring buildings, a theater, temples, public piazzas, and towers. Despite being buried underground for centuries, the fresco’s blue and terra cotta tones remain visible, though somewhat faded. Gualtieri emphasized the rarity and value of the pieces, citing their exceptional artistic quality and historical significance.
Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome’s cultural superintendent, highlighted the well-preserved depiction of the port city’s grandeur, noting that the restoration process involved cleaning surface deposits, consolidating grout, and enhancing visibility to safeguard the fresco’s integrity. While the exact identity of the city portrayed remains unknown, Parisi Presicce suggested it was likely a prominent and familiar locale in antiquity.
The adjacent mosaic measures approximately 15 meters high and is divided into four levels. The upper levels feature detailed columns, architectural decorations, and figures engaged in scenes resembling theatrical performances, while the lower levels provide an aerial layout of the port city depicted in the fresco.
The Baths of Trajan, commissioned by Emperor Trajan and dedicated in 109 A.D., covered roughly six hectares and were the largest bath complex in the ancient world at the time. Incorporating parts of the earlier Domus Aurea complex, the Baths were constructed to optimize thermal water use for visitors, offering an enhanced bathing experience.
The section now open to the public also includes a large semi-circular, upper-level section believed to have served as a library or cultural space within the baths complex. Archaeologists suggest that the facility offered a combination of athletic, bathing, and cultural activities for Roman users.