Ercolano's Suburban Baths reopen to public with restoration site visits

The Suburban Baths of Herculaneum, one of the best-preserved Roman bath complexes, have reopened to the public after over twenty years of closure. Visitors can now access the ongoing restoration site on Saturdays and Sundays with an additional ticket (€20 instead of the standard €16) and must book online in advance. The restoration, funded entirely by public funds (over €5 million) under Law 132/2019 and in partnership with the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI) since 2001, is expected to conclude by October 2026. The project includes structural consolidation, decorative conservation, new roofing, improved accessibility via walkways and ramps connecting to the ancient beach, and a new lighting system. The baths, discovered in 1940 and originally a private bath for the Nonii Balbi family in the Augustan age, were expanded after the 62 AD earthquake for public use. They feature marble floors, stucco decorations, original wooden doors, and a unique 'samovar' heating system for the Great Calidarium. The Tepidarium, known as the Hall of Warriors, preserves seven stucco warrior figures referencing Aeschylus' tragedy 'Seven Against Thebes'. Francesco Sirano, acting director of the park and new director of the MANN, stated the initiative transforms the restoration into an opportunity for public engagement with heritage.