Villa romana della Foce, Roman archaeological site in Sanremo, Italy
Villa romana della Foce is a 2nd-century AD Roman bath complex of a private villa, with rooms identified as an apodyterium, calidarium with an apse and underfloor hot-air ducts, laconicum, and a service room for the testudo. Only the foundations remain; the original flooring, service areas, storerooms and latrine are lost. The ruins lie behind the Foce monumental cemetery, by Corso Matuzia near the church of San Rocco.
Remains were first discovered in 1925 along the Via Julia Augusta, with systematic excavations beginning in 1936 under Nino Lamboglia's direction. Those early investigations established the foundation for understanding Roman settlement in this region.
The complex reveals how wealthy Romans spent their leisure time in private thermal baths for relaxation and social gatherings. Visitors can trace the layout of rooms designed specifically for these activities.
The site is best reached on foot via Corso Matuzia near the church of San Rocco in Sanremo. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven and pathways are limited throughout the excavation area.
The complex preserves a testudo, a heated metal slab used to maintain warm water in the bathing pools. This Roman heating method was a practical comfort solution for wealthy residents.
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