The Termas de Caracalla, considered one of the largest and most luxurious buildings of the Roman Empire, were opened for night visits from last weekend until October 31st in the capital of Italy.
The initiative was organized by the Special Superintendency of Rome on the occasion of nine local events.
During the tour, visitors will be able to see places that are not visible during the day, such as the cellars, the actual engine room that powered the hot water and steam heating system, and the Mithraeum, a space dedicated to the worship of Mithras, the Persian deity, which is the largest found in Rome.
This year there are two new features: the return of the reflecting pool with its effects that will create a spectacle that is invisible to sunlight, in addition to the majestic ruins of the Imperial Baths, the best preserved in the capital. According to the organizers, the reflecting pools evoke the myth of Narcissus.
“With the visits and night-time meetings on the myth of Narcissus in the ancient and contemporary world, the autumn of the Baths of Caracalla will be inaugurated, a season full of events and initiatives”, explains Daniela Porro, Special Superintendent of Rome.
According to the Italian executive, the water mirror is proving to be a successful choice and a perfect location for cultural activities and shows, capable of making the thermal complex always present itself in a new and different way”.
For Mirella Serlorenzi, director of the monument, “the Baths of Caracalla offer endless possibilities for visits not only due to their monumentality, but also due to the ideological complexity with which they were conceived throughout the impressive site that houses rooms dedicated to various cultural activities, libraries and auditoriums”.
“Privileged spaces to promote political activities, social, economic and cultural relations”.
“With night visits, this year we created an atypical tour dedicated to places that are closed at other times of the year.
It will be very suggestive to admire the water mirror illuminated at night with exciting water and steam games”, adds the director of the thermal baths.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a special tour of the cellars, led by expert archaeologists who will guide the public, and a contemporary project that marks the return of a fundamental element of the thermal complexes of imperial Rome, evoking the ancient function of the baths.
At the same time, on October 19th and 20th, a series of meetings will take place, conceived and organized with Electa, under the direction of Maurizio Bettini and Massimo Fusillo. (HANDLE)
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