The luxurious suburban bathrooms in Herculaneum are open to the public –

The archaeological park in Herkranim has opened suburban baths to the public for the first time. The complex has been underway for a comprehensive restoration work, and while work is still underway, the far view of the park provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see spaces that have never been opened to the public before.

Visiting the suburban bathroom will provide the opportunity to observe not only the memorial space but also the restoration techniques of the floor, stucco and structure. This unique perspective will allow us to understand the work of archaeologists, restorators and technicians dedicated to protecting vulnerable and valuable assets. […]

Through this initiative, Hekranim Archaeological Park strengthens its promotion strategy to promote an ongoing dialogue between scientific research and public enjoyment. The ongoing opening of construction sites also represents a way to increase visitors’ awareness of the importance of conservation and the complexity of work involved in returning monuments to the community.

The bathroom was originally privately owned by the family of Marcus Nonius Balbus, former consul, former Crete’s former supporter, oftavian and Herculaneum, and the biggest benefactor of Herculaneum. He funded the construction of the city’s cathedral, which was placed in his equestrian statue after his death to commemorate him.

The bathroom is located between the beach and the walled Porta Marina gate (so compared to the central bathroom in downtown Herculland, the suburbs). The private bathroom was later made public and expanded and renovated after suffering some damage in the 62 AD earthquake. An outdoor pool and decorative fountain were added, as well as other rooms including nymphs with waterfalls. The second bath space provides bathers with two completely separate circuits that can be used with classic indoor progression, cool room and outdoor routes. This is extremely rare in Roman bathrooms.

Another rare feature of this complex is the heating system. The hot pool is heated with a dome metal “samovar” embedded in the pool floor above the stove. Thermal dome keeps water much less heat (fuel and manpower) than the wider low-slaughter system.

The bathtub appointments are walls of marble floors, stucco reliefs and murals that survive in exceptional circumstances, including a series of famous explicit erotic murals. The second story has large glass windows that offer views of the Bay of Naples, and it seems that there may be a membership that allows privileges to enter the second floor facility.

The complex is the most well-preserved bathroom building in the Roman Empire and one of the most well-preserved public buildings of any type. The original wooden doors and the “Samovar” heating system are both preserved. In addition to ensuring long-term stability and protection of the bathroom, the restoration is also designed to enhance its unique features exhibitions, giving visitors a glimpse of the Roman bathing culture, how the bathroom provides more than just health and cleanliness, but also plays an important social and commercial role.

Suburban bathrooms can be accessed from September 14 to November 30. Profits from ticket sales will contribute to the park’s restoration fund.

The video begins in 2020 as a guided drill for restoring the interior of the former suburban bathroom.