Pompeii Archaeological Park opens the women's section of the Forum Baths for the first time

Pompeii Archaeological Park opens to the public from March 8, after maintenance and restoration work, the women’s section of the Forum Baths complex. Traditionally used as a repository for archaeological materials and thus occupied by bulky shelving, they are now accessible to the public for the first time. Painted surfaces that had hitherto remained unknown due to the thick concretions that had obscured their polychromy since the building was excavated in 1823-24 have been revealed. Thanks to the careful work of restorers and the use of a state-of-the-art laser instrument, it was possible to remove the concretions and uncover the decoration of the first room, almost as if it had been a new discovery. Under a thick layer of limestone, much of the decoration of IV style, characterized by alternating colored panels, was hidden. Above the small basin, painted teal, emerged a decoration with plant elements and birds on a yellow background, revealed through the use of laser technology. The plant decoration is also repeated in the supporting structure of the basin. In addition, numerous graffiti scattered on the walls, such as richly detailed ships, various inscriptions and even a phallic design, provide us with a glimpse into the lives of those who frequented the baths.

During the restoration work, numerous protective works were carried out to counteract deterioration factors. It was necessary to redo the roofing membranes with adequate dimensions to withstand even severe weather events. In addition, the lesions that make up a complex crack framework, largely evidence of the events suffered by the monument in different ancient phases, including the earthquake of 62 AD and the eruption of 79 AD, were treated.

The Forum Baths are located behind the Temple of Jupiter and date from the years immediately following the founding of the veterans’ colony by General Sulla (80 B.C.). An inscription found near the entrance, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, records that the construction was at the initiative of the decurions and with public funds. The female and male parts had separate entrances. The female part, smaller than the male part, was being renovated at the time of the eruption. The thermal sector, covering about 410 square meters, occupies the northwestern corner of the block, with an irregular plan determined by the divergent course of the Via delle Terme to the north and the Vicolo delle Terme to the west.

The Baths will be open to the public daily from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with admission every 30 minutes for groups of up to 15 people at a time (English-language visit at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.). The entrance fee, which includes an escort with a presentation of the rooms, is 5 euros (in addition to the entrance fee to the Pompeii site). Free for children under 6 and MyPompeii Card holders.

Pompeii Archaeological Park opens the women's section of the Forum Baths for the first time

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