ROME—Ostia Antica, the principal port of ancient Rome, is likely to gain new attention after the completion of a decade-long restoration project, the New York Times reports.

Last week, four second-century insulae, or housing complexes, decorated with ornate frescoes were revealed to the public for the first time, as part of the European Heritage Days program.

“Over all, this is the most important ensemble of second- and third-century frescoes in the world,” said Angelo Pellegrino, the director of excavations at the site.

According to the Times, the frescoes depict an erotic scene in what was likely a bedroom, the nine muses, and floating figures dancing against a red backdrop.

“They’re exceptional indicators of the emerging merchant class and the economic and political well-being of the city in the second century,” said archaeologist Flora Panariti, who participated in the restoration.

The four restored buildings were built around A.D. 128 during a housing boom in Emperor Hadrian’s reign. Although only the ground level remains, evidence suggests that the buildings had multiple stories.

Like many ancient sites in Italy, Ostia Antica faces problems of funding, staffing, and security. The biggest challenge, however, is humidity, a result of the high groundwater level, which forced conservators to remove many frescoes from walls and transfer them to panels before restoring them to their original locations.

For the time being only a limited number of visitors will be allowed to tour the four dwellings. Reservations are required.