Herculaneum embraces one of his most precious treasures. We are talking about the suburban spas, a site closed for over twenty years that returns accessible to the public through a special initiative and which transforms the restoration site into an extraordinary visit experience. The preview for the press was created on Sunday 14 September 2025, in the presence of Francesco Sirano, an official delegated to the direction of the Archaeological Park of Ercolano and new director of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
A unique building in the Roman world
The suburban spas represent the best preserved thermal complex of the whole Roman Empire. They are found in a privileged position, between the ancient beach and the city walls buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD a fascinating story, which saw them born as a private bathroom from the powerful family of the Nonii Balbi, and then transform into a place open to the city community.
The building houses invaluable architectural elements, including refined marble floors, stucco decorations and wall paintings, all elements that testify to the high artistic level reached by the ancient Romans. The most precious gems are certainly the original wooden doors, very rare in the world’s archaeological panorama, and the “a samovar” heating system for hot swimming pools, perfectly preserved and absolutely unique in its kind.
The construction site becomes a museum
The director Francesco Sirano strongly wanted the early opening:
This project, whose quality has been enriched by the private public partnership with the Packard Humanities Institute, is the result of a choral work that combines research, protection and enhancement. We open to citizens a restoration site in progress, transforming it into an opportunity for knowledge and dialogue with our heritage. We want visitors to understand not only the extraordinary beauty of these environments, but also the commitment and care that need to preserve and return them to the future “
The project was born from an exemplary collaboration between public and private, in which state funds have funded the construction site entirely, while the Packard Humanities Institute, partner of Herculaneum for almost twenty -five years, has given the restoration project. A synergy that demonstrates how the protection of cultural heritage can benefit from innovative and cooperative approaches.
A happy return
Discovered in 1940 and brought to light in 1973, the suburban spas tell the daily life of ancient Herculaneum, given the nature of places of meeting, relaxation and socialization. The inhabitants of the city went there to treat the body and spirit, to tighten business relationships or simply to enjoy the pleasure of hot water after a day of work.
The initiative falls within the activities provided for by law 132/2019, which allows you to use part of the proceeds of museum tickets for enhancement projects. Thanks to this legislation, the Archaeological Park was able to organize the reception activities by directly involving its staff in a project with a strong cultural impact.
After the September preview, the visits are to the general public until November 1, 2025. An unmissable opportunity to admire a monument that has crossed the centuries and that today, thanks to the patient work of restorers and archaeologists, returns to live to tell a millennial story.
When: from 14 September to 1 November 2025
Saturday and Sunday from 09.00 to 18.00 (from 18 October last round to 15.00)
Prices: Park entrance + Suburbane Terme € 20 – € 4 on the occasion of the first Sunday of the month
Park entrance + Suburban Terme Reduced € 4-€ 2 on the occasion of the first Sunday of the month (18-25 EU)
Park entrance + free suburban spa (according to current legislation https://www.beniculturali.it/agevolazioni)
