The Roman Baths of the archaeological site of Palaiopoli Corfu are located on the western edge of the city, near the archaeological site of Mon Repos, the site of the sanctuaries of the ancient city of Corfu. The first evidence of the use of the site was placed in Archaic times while its prime in the Roman era. The baths were constructed in the late 1st century and at the beginning of the 2nd c. A.D. and were used during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. A.D. They were repaired in the 4th and 5th c. A.D. and probably some of their venues then functioned as workshops. In the 6th century A.D. the baths were destroyed by earthquakes.
Location
39.607076,19.922456
Chronology
The first bathing facilities were established at the end of the 1st and early 2nd centuries AD. It remained in use throughout the next two centuries. In the 5th century the baths shrunk. In the middle of the 6th c. facilities were abandoned after a fire.
Visible / Reachable by public?
Yes, reachable by the public, within walking distance from the city and the airport. Bus No 2 from city center.
Heritage Value
These are public baths which seem to have been integrated into the urban fabric of the ancient city. In the most important hall, the Caldarium – a social gathering area, the floor carries a mosaic with colorful tiles depicting the shape of the Ocean, a mythical face that is attributed to a wild and rich beard and framed by a geometric motif. The baths are constructed under the emperor Septemius Severus.
Touristic exploitation
Yes, open to the public after permission from the Ephorate. (8.30-15.00)
Eco-Touristic added value
The Baths are in close distance to Mon Repos park, a site that hosted sacra in ancient Corfu and the Early Christian Basilica in Palaepolis. This park is a natural park now days. The site is in natural environment that rejoices of pristine landscape, although also belonging to urban territory of modern Corfu.
Proposed activities
Visiting other near-by sites, such us the Paleopolis basilica, the Hyllaic harbor, the Alcinoos harbor, the temple of Jason and Sosipater. An (modern) open theater is also in close distance as well as an organized beach open to the public.
