Thermae of Caracalla
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WHY VISIT THE BATHS OF CARACALLA
Visiting the Baths of Caracalla gives you the opportunity to observe up close the structure of one of the grandest thermal complexes of ancient Rome and to understand the importance these places held in the everyday lives of wealthy citizens. The design, inspired by the Baths of Trajan, featured four entrances set into the original enclosure. To manage the entire thermal system, extensive underground areas were built, with a network of tunnels stretching underneath much of the site. Here, there were furnaces, boilers, storage rooms, a mill, and a mithraeum. The water pipes that supplied the pools ran through the narrower passages. Over the centuries, the Baths have been the subject of many excavations, which have uncovered numerous works of art and artifacts that once decorated the thermal complex. Among the most famous finds from the 16th century are the celebrated Farnese sculptures: the Bull, Flora, and Hercules, now housed at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The Vatican Museums, meanwhile, display the mosaic featuring 28 athletes that once adorned one of the gyms at the Baths.
A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT THE BATHS OF CARACALLA
The Baths of Caracalla were built on the slopes of the Little Aventine hill; construction began in 212 AD and they were inaugurated in 216 AD by Emperor Caracalla. To ensure a sufficient water supply, a dedicated branch of the Roman aqueduct system was built, and the section of the Via Appia leading to the Baths was widened to facilitate access. In 537 AD, the Goths destroyed the water systems feeding the baths, ending almost three centuries of operation. The Baths of Caracalla were the largest public baths built during the Roman Empire, at least until the Baths of Diocletian were opened, and could accommodate up to 1,500 people. Over time, the thermal structure was repurposed: houses were built there and later the area was used for agricultural activities, mainly vineyards. After being abandoned in the 6th century, valuable materials such as marble and metals were reused in the construction of other prestigious buildings.
WHAT ARE THE BATHS OF CARACALLA TODAY?
Today, the Baths of Caracalla are one of the largest and best-preserved examples of ancient Roman thermal complexes. In addition to being a place for bathing and wellbeing, the baths were also a venue for study and socializing walks. Walking along the main axis of the site, you can still see the original division into calidarium, tepidarium, frigidarium, and natatio. The complex also included gyms and other rooms, some of which still feature splendid decorations that have survived to this day.
CURIOSITIES ABOUT THE BATHS OF CARACALLA
Did you know that the underground area of the Baths houses the largest mithraeum ever discovered in Rome? This was a dark, windowless sanctuary—either a natural cave or an artificially constructed space—where followers of Mithraism met to practice their mystery religion. The mithraeum at Caracalla is centrally planned, with cross-vaults and two lateral balconies. The Baths could be accessed through four doors on the northeast side, two of which opened onto porticoes overlooking the natatio, the large pool. Of the four granite columns which once decorated the natatio, only one remains and can now be seen in Piazza Santa Trinita in Florence.
HOW CAN I VISIT THE BATHS OF CARACALLA?
You can visit the Baths of Caracalla by purchasing your entrance ticket online. We recommend choosing the audio guide option to enhance and deepen your experience. Another fascinating option is to join the 4D tour, a new virtual visit that allows you to discover how the Baths originally looked.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
After your visit to the Baths of Caracalla, you will find many other sites nearby where you can explore monuments and ruins of ancient Rome. Passing by the Circus Maximus, you will reach Rome’s most famous landmark, the Colosseum. Continuing on, you can admire the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and reach the monumental Vittoriano (Altar of the Fatherland). If you continue your Roman tour using the Rome city map, you can head towards the Tiber River and visit the Pantheon or the charming Piazza Navona. Crossing the river brings you near Castel Sant'Angelo, which houses a museum, and not far from there is the entrance to Vatican City. Here you can admire the beautiful Basilica of Saint Peter, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens, and the world-renowned Sistine Chapel with its famous frescoes. One of Rome's most loved parks is Villa Borghese; inside, you can visit the Borghese Gallery, the Pincio Terrace, or the Bioparco Zoo. If you wish to continue exploring ancient Roman sites, consider visiting the Domus Aurea, the Catacombs, the Capitoline Museums, or the National Roman Museum. Also of interest, along the ancient Appian Way, are the archaeological site of Villa Quintili and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. If you want to venture outside Rome, there are many fascinating and characteristic places to see: for example, at the foot of the Tiburtine hills, you can visit the beautiful Villa d’Este in Tivoli, and closer to Rome, on Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence.
