In the Imperial Palace has a large exedra that closes the inner portico and opens with a panoramic view towards a Nymphaeum that once must have been very decorative.

The Nymphaeum leans against a wall behind which is the Cryptoporticus of the Hall with Doric Pillars. It was semicircular in shape with a series of concentric steps, from which the water descended with small waterfalls, as frequently happens in Roman nymphaea.

The water was collected in a large rectangular basin, where incredibly traces of the blue color of its waterproof plaster are still in place. From the basin the water continued its course towards the western part of the Villa, which is located on a lower level, and fed other fountains.

The Nymphaeum with water steps of the Imperial Palace is very similar to another one in the Garden Stadium, near the Pecile. It had the same semicircular steps from which the water descended with small waterfalls and was decorated by the statues of the Niobids.

‼️ Traces of color that has lasted for 1900 years!