The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum is opening the Suburban Baths to the public for the first time. The entire complex has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration, and while the work is still ongoing, the end is in sight and the Park is offering visitors the unique opportunity to see spaces that have never been open to the public before.A visit to the Suburban Baths will offer the opportunity to observe not only the monumental spaces, but also the restoration techniques applied to the floors, stuccoes, and structures . This unique perspective will allow us to understand the work of archaeologists, restorers, and technicians committed to safeguarding a fragile and precious asset. []Through this initiative, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park strengthens its promotion strategy, which aims to foster an ongoing dialogue between scientific research and public enjoyment. The opening of an ongoing construction site also represents a way to raise awareness among visitors of the importance of conservation and the complexity of the work involved in returning a monument to the community.The baths were originally privately owned by the family of Marcus Nonius Balbus, a former tribune of the plebs, former consul, former proconsul of Crete, strong supporter of Octavian and Herculaneums greatest benefactor. He funded the construction of the citys basilica, and the city placed an equestrian statue of him there to honor him after his death.The baths were located between the beach and the Porta Marina gate in the city walls (hence Suburban Baths, in contrast to the Central Baths in downtown Herculaneum). The private baths were later made public and after suffering some damage in the earthquake of 62 A.D., expanded and renovated. An outdoor pool and decorative fountain were added along with other rooms including a nymphaeum with a waterfall. This second sequence of bathing spaces gave bathers two completely separate circuits to use, the classic indoor progression of cooler to hotter rooms and the outdoor route. This was extremely rare in Roman baths.Another rare feature of this complex is the heating system. The hot water pool was heated with a domed metal samovar that was embedded into the floor of the pool above the furnace. The heat dome kept the water hot with much less energy (fuel and manpower) than the far more widespread hypocaust systems.The baths were sumptuously appointed with marble floors, stucco reliefs and frescoed walls which survive in exceptional condition, including a famous series of explicit erotic frescoes. The second story had large glass windows with views of the Bay of Naples and it appears there may have been a membership tier that gave privileged access to the second floor facilities.The complex is the best-preserved bath building in the Roman Empire and one of the best-preserved public buildings of any type. The original wooden doors are preserved, as is the samovar heating system. In addition to ensure the long-term stability and conservation of the baths, the restoration aims to enhance the exhibition of its unique features to give visitors a glimpse into Roman bathing culture, how the baths offered more than just health and cleanliness, but played an important social and commercial role as well.The Suburban Baths can visited from September 14th to November 30th. The proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to the Parks restoration fund.This video from 2020 is a guided walkthrough of the interior of the Suburban Baths before the restoration.