Uncovering Rome's secrets: Fresco and giant mosaic open to the public

Two remarkable works of ancient Roman art, hidden underground for centuries, are now accessible to visitors following a major restoration project beneath Rome's Oppian Hill.

Located near the Colosseum within the recently restored Baths of Trajan, the Painted City and the Great Mosaic offer a rare glimpse into the city's history, revealing artistic treasures that predate one of ancient Rome's most celebrated imperial complexes.

The Painted City is a first-century AD fresco covering around 10 square meters. Its unusual perspective depicts an entire city from above, making it an exceptional example of Roman painting.

"It's an extraordinary fresco, unlike anything seen before," archeologist Rita Volpe tells CGTN. "We know Roman frescoes well, from Pompeii to Rome, but this is unique in its scale."

Volpe led excavations at the site when the artworks were discovered in 1998. She recalled the emotional impact of seeing the fresco for the first time.

"When you entered the gallery, you could see the white outline of the towers in the distance, almost like Sleeping Beauty's castle in the Disney logo. It left me speechless," she says.

Nearby, the Great Mosaic stretches for more than 15 meters. Its elaborate composition resembles the façade of an ancient theater, featuring statues and human figures.

The artworks lie beneath the Baths of Trajan, dedicated by the emperor in 109 AD. Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome's Capitoline Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, said that the remains may be linked to buildings from an earlier period.

"Beneath this thermal bath complex, extraordinary remains have been uncovered, probably belonging to buildings that predate the time of Trajan and possibly associated with the Domus Aurea, the magnificent palace of Emperor Nero," he says.

The latest restoration was funded by the European Union's Covid Recovery Fund. Alongside conserving the artworks, the project has improved access to the underground spaces, allowing visitors to explore another layer of Rome's history.

Access remains limited to small groups on selected days to help protect the fragile site – but visitors seem understanding about the restrictions. 

"It will help protect the site that has been closed for so long," says visitor Sara Ventura. 

For archeologist Volpe, the underground discoveries are a reminder that the ancient city still holds secrets.

"The basement of Rome still has many surprises," she says.