After 1500 years, water has flowed again at the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla) in Rome. The installation of the large mirror of water, in which the majestic architecture is reflected, represents the first intervention of the Special Superintendency of Rome which will revolutionize the park. The project of the Special Superintendency of Rome, directed by Daniela Porro, was born from an idea by Mirella Serlorenzi, who after having taken over the management of the Baths of Caracalla, promoted the idea of extensive renovation of the location, giving importance also to the thermal element. On Thursday 4 April, the day of the inauguration, Superintendent Daniela Porro defined it as "the beginning of a Caracalla 'revolution'".
The director of the Baths of Caracalla, Mirella Serlorenzi, said: «The creation of the body of water is the first element of an complete project aimed at restoring the perception of these places as they were in antiquity. Water, an element absent for over a thousand years, returns in a decisive but respectful way to the ruins. A contemporary sign, just as our understanding of the ruins is contemporary, which creates a sort of conceptual metaverse and brings back the memory of the ancient function of the Baths of Caracalla through water".
In the center of the pool, 10 centimeters high and with 20 water jets, there is a stage which will host theatre, music or dance shows. The first is scheduled for next April 13th, Rhapsody in blue, to celebrate the centenary of George Gershwin's score, curated by Ater Balletto.
In the coming years, the site of the Baths of Caracalla will be redesigned in a contemporary way.
