Rome’s ancient baths of Caracalla, a historic site dating back to Emperor Caracalla’s reign over 1,800 years ago, saw a remarkable revival on Friday as water returned to the ruins after more than a millennium. The grand reopening was marked by a mesmerizing performance by ballet dancers on a platform above a newly installed pool, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
The baths, one of the largest thermal complexes ever built, were originally constructed by Emperor Septimius Severus in 212 AD and completed by Caracalla four years later. Today, the ruins attract tourists from around the world and serve as a venue for concerts and theatre productions.
Local authorities recently unveiled a project to reintroduce water to the site, unveiling a large, shallow pool named the Specchio, or mirror in Italian. Measuring 42 meters by 32 meters and 10 cm deep, the pool reflects the towering walls of the ancient buildings, evoking the grandeur of the Natatio, a central pool in ancient Roman baths.
Mirella Serlorenzi, the site’s director, expressed her excitement about the return of water to the ruins after centuries, calling it a “decisive yet respectful” addition. The installation, equipped with submerged water jets and lighting effects, is part of a broader initiative by Rome’s cultural authorities to restore the city’s ancient sites to their original glory.
The opening performance by Aterballetto, choreographed by Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich, marked the beginning of a series of dance, theatre, and classical music events scheduled to take place at Caracalla this spring and summer. The return of water to the baths of Caracalla signifies a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Rome’s rich history and cultural heritage.