Water Returns to Rome's Baths of Caracalla After 1,800 Years

A contemporary black pool measuring 42 by 32 meters with water overflowing on three sides has been installed at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, evoking the ancient Natatio (Olympic-sized open-air pool) that once served up to 1,600 bathers. The project, called 'Caracalla allo specchio,' was announced by special superintendent Daniela Porro and opens on April 12, 2024. Designed by architect Hannes Peer with Paolo Bornello, the pool is placed in the gardens with axial orientation duplicating the calidarium, featuring misting jets, sprays, and light effects to recreate the steam of the hot baths. The water feature will host performances, conferences, dance, and classical concerts; a choreography by Ater Balletto on Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' (centenary) inaugurates the space. Future plans funded by Pnrr under Mirella Serlorenzi include new entrances with a central ticket booth restoring the ancient access, fountains, water games, expanded green areas supervised by landscape architect Giuseppe Provasi, an eco-sustainable botanical garden, a service center with library and refreshment point, and restoration of wall structures. The initiative continues the site's recent tradition of hosting contemporary art exhibitions (Pistoletto, Penone, Biasiucci, Staccioli, Avital, Battaglia).