Authorities on Tuesday unveiled what is believed to be the largest fresco and mosaic complex of ancient Rome: a first-century A.D. depiction of a maritime city in what became the largest bath complex in the world.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri presented the recently restored "Painted City” fresco and "Great Mosaic” that were discovered in an underground gallery during excavations in the 1990s of the Baths of Trajan on the Oppio Hill near the Colosseum.
A view of the "The Painted City" 15-meter wall mosaic discovered during the 1990s built as foundations for the Baths of Trajan during 1990s, Rome, Italy, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
The works are opening to the public for the first time, initially in small groups of 15 and during a trial period of weekend access starting this month. The aim is to determine how the delicate works respond to increased humidity and climatic impact before allowing broader access.
Gualtieri said the fresco, which features images of a walled port city from a bird's-eye view perspective, is the largest wall fresco of its kind from ancient Rome and needs to be open to the public. After being hidden underground for centuries, its blue and terra cotta colors are still clear but faded.
