The structure known as Ponari’s Nymphaeum, by the name of the property owners, comprises two adjoining rooms. The first one had a rectangular shape and a barrel vault made of opus caementicium with rectangular niches along the walls, while the second one was a small roofless atrium provided with an impluvium at its center. The nymphaeum used to host water games and was part of a rich private residence. 

It was built in the second half of the first century BC and restored during the second century AD or maybe during the following one, as some decoration techniques suggest. 

In the first phase, the walls were covered by mosaic decorations, vitreous paste encrustations, lapis lazuli, and shells. 

From then on, more restoration works were made and the structure even changed its purpose; indeed, the walls were plastered and painted with geometrical motifs, imitating polychrome marble slabs. The paving was made of opus scutulatum, with encrustations of colored stones. 

The building, also used as a shelter during WWII, went through excavations and restoration in the last two decades by the Superintendence of Lazio’s Archaeological Heritage. 

Ufficio Turistico del Comune di Cassino

Piazza De Gasperi, 03043 Cassino (FR)

Phone: +39 0776 1666902

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