Authorities in Rome have unveiled an extensive fresco and mosaic ensemble dating back to the first century A.D., uncovered within the Baths of Trajan complex near the Colosseum. The site, long hidden underground, is believed to represent the largest example of such artwork from ancient Rome, depicting a maritime city in considerable detail.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri presented the recently restored “Painted City” fresco alongside the “Great Mosaic” on Tuesday, highlighting their historical and artistic significance. These works were discovered during 1990s excavations on Oppio hill and now emerge as key visual records of urban and coastal life in the Roman Empire. The fresco shows a walled port city rendered from a bird’s-eye view, with its original blue and terra cotta hues still visible despite centuries beneath the earth.
“These are truly unique works worldwide, notable not only for their artistic beauty but also for their historic and documentary value,” Gualtieri said at the unveiling.
Cultural superintendent Claudio Parisi Presicce described the fresco as exceptionally well preserved, featuring detailed representations of buildings, a theater, temples, public squares, and towers. The restoration process involved cleaning and stabilizing the surface to enhance visibility and protect the delicate pigment layers. Although the exact identity of the city portrayed remains uncertain, officials suspect it depicts a prominent port center known during that era.
The accompanying mosaic spans approximately 15 meters in height and displays a complex architectural motif across four levels. The upper sections focus on close-up imagery, including human figures resembling theatrical scenes, while the lower tiers present an aerial layout of the depicted port city.
The Baths of Trajan were originally dedicated by Emperor Trajan in 109 A.D. and covered some 15 acres, making them the largest bath complex of their time. Built atop the Domus Aurea, Nero’s former palace, the baths were engineered to optimize thermal waters, enhancing the bathing experience. The area now open to visitors also includes an upper-level semicircular space thought to be a library, reflecting the complex’s multifunctional role, combining sports, bathing, and cultural activities.
Access to the fresco and mosaic will initially be limited to small groups of 15 during weekend trial periods starting this month. This phased opening aims to assess the artworks’ response to environmental factors such as humidity and to ensure their long-term preservation before broader public admission is granted.