The Caracalla Baths

Also known as the Thermae Antonianae, the Caracalla Baths are one of the largest and best-preserved examples of an ancient public bath complex. Constructed under the auspices of the Emperor Caracalla in the southern part of the city, the building was completed in 216 A.D. and exhibits the rectangular plan typical of Imperial spa centers. The baths themselves were not simply a place for bathing, sport and health, they were also a place of study and relaxation. Access to the heart of the building was through one of four porticos on the north-east face. The various parts of the spa are found in sequential order around the center of the structure: the "Calidarium" (hot plunge bath), the "Tepidarium" (warm bath with radiant heat), the "Frigidarium" (cold pool), and the "Natatio" (open air swimming pool).

There are also other zones and areas to be found around the two gymnasiums. The Caracalla Bath complex is one of those rare ancient examples in which, albeit only in part, it is possible to reconstruct something of the internal decoration. Written manuscripts refer to enormous marble columns, flooring made of colored marble, mosaics of glass and marble on the walls, painted stuccos and hundreds of statues located in niches and placed centrally in the rooms themselves. The water system was made possible by the construction of a special duct from the main aqueduct called the Aqua Antoniana. Throughout its history the complex was reconstructed several times before finally closing altogether in 537 A.D.

 

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• 09:00 am - 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday

Closed:

• January 1, December 25

The ticket office closes an hour before the site.