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A Quick Guide to the Decadent Baths of Emperor Caracalla
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Quick Guide to Roman Baths of Caracalla
- Also known as: Thermae Antoninianae, Thermae di Caracalla
- Location: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome
- Established: 216 AD
- Commissioned by: Emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla
- Architectural style: Roman
- UNESCO World Heritage Site designation: 1980
Why Visit Roman Baths of Caracalla?
- A view of history: The ruins of the Baths of Caracalla were a thriving space of social life. Walking through the various rooms, one gets a sense of the richness of Roman life and what living in that era might’ve felt like.
- Astounding architecture: Creating the Baths of Caracalla was a mammoth task that took decades to complete. Even in its ruined form visitors can appreciate its ingenious design.
- Ancient chambers and rooms: Walking through the ruins you will see that each room and space served a unique purpose. This included bathing rooms of varying temperatures, an Olympic size swimming pool, a sauna room, an exercise yard, and even a library.
Plan Your Visit to the Roman Baths of Caracalla
Where are the Roman Baths of Caracalla Located?
What are the Roman Baths of Caracalla Opening Hours?
Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
The Roman Baths of Caracalla are Situated near the Appian Way in the center of the city.
Nearest Train Station: Roma Termini (3.4km)
Get directions to the Roman Baths of Caracalla
Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM onwards. The closing time for the Baths varies depending on the time of year.
Last admission at 3.30 PM
Closed: Monday, January 1st, December 25th
Detailed Opening HoursWhat to See at Roman Baths of Caracalla?
The Caldarium
The Caldarium, also called the hot baths, was a kind of sauna. It contained seven large pools of hot water with steam that rose from the hollowed-out bricks lining the walls. The room was 115 feet wide with a concrete dome and chimney. Bathers would come here to relax and rejuvenate in the steamy rooms, which were heated by a hypocaust system fitted underground with furnaces stoked by slave labor.
The Tepidarium
As the name suggests, the tepidarium was a bathing room that contained a double pool with a warm or tepid temperature. It is smaller than the caldarium. In the tepidarium, a process called “strigiling" often took place, where with the help of a curved metal tool called a strigil, Romans would wipe oil on their bodies and remove sweat and dirt instead of using soap.
The Frigidarium
The Frigidarium was a massive 183 by 79 feet hall that rested on eight colossal columns under a groin vaulted ceiling. The central area was said to have marble floors, decorative pools, fountains, and sculptures, much of which has been removed since then. It contained four cold baths fed directly from the main aqueduct. It served as a meeting place and transition area for visitors to other parts of the baths.
The Natatio
After the Frigidarium, bathers would often take a dip in the Natatio, or piscina, an open-air Olympic-sized swimming pool. It was surrounded by walls that rose 20m with a facade of three huge columns made from granite with several sculptures in between. The pool was fitted with large bronze mirrors mounted overhead to redirect sunlight into the water.
Why were the Baths of Caracalla Built?
The Baths of Caracalla that were finished during the reign of Marcus Aurelius Antonius, better known as Caracalla, served an important cultural function in Roman life as a place of leisure, relaxation, and social networking. Its ancient visitors were known to frequent these hot and cold pools, and spacious courtyards for exercise, massages, and games. The baths could hold 6000 to 8000 bathers at a time. and saw a large influx of daily visitors. Though the baths stand as ruined structures of scarred brick today, evidence suggests that it was an arena of opulence, with frescos, polychrome marble walls, and sculptures that served to elevate the status of its decadent emperors while simultaneously acting as a public utility.
Who Built Roman Baths of Caracalla?
The work for the construction of the baths was started by emperor Septimius Severus, completed during the reign of his son, emperor Caracalla and inaugurated in AD 216. The project took twenty-nine years to complete, with resources and workers. The larger rectangular structure around the main building that contains shops, offices, libraries, etc. was constructed after Caracalla’s death, by Elagabalus and Severus Alexander, his successors.
Architecture & Design of Roman Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla are spread over 62 acres with the main complex of buildings in the center. The baths were constructed with red bricks and layered with marble and white stucco. The ruins of the Baths feature towering chambers, high walls, archways, and buildings. The central complex consisted of large vaulted chambers with auxiliary rooms, and corridors, and was surrounded by gardens that were used for exercise and games. The three main bath structures consisted of a frigidarium or cold room, a caldarium or hot room, and a tepidarium. The baths were supplied water from the Aquae Antoniniana, a branch of the Aquae Marciana that provided 1/24th of the water supply of Rome. The water, floor, and walls were heated by a hypocaust system powered by furnaces, that circulated hot air below the floor of the room and walls through pipes.
History of Roman Baths of Caracalla In A Nutshell
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Baths could have been built anywhere between 206 and 216 AD. The idea to create a bath center was conceived by emperor Septimius Severus. The work was completed by his son, the tyrant, Caracalla. The site for the baths fell upon a garden estate called the Horti Asiniani, owned by a Roman officer called Gaius Asinius Pollio and was acquired forcibly for the same. The work continued post emperor Caracalla’s death, and his successors Elagabalus and Severus Alexander made additions to the construction. The baths were likely finished by 235 AD. However, it came into full use only in the 5th century, seeing a daily occupancy of 6000 to 8000 bathers. In 537 AD, Vitiges of the Ostrogoths attacked Rome and severed the city's water supply. After the attack, the Baths were abandoned and remained disused from the 6th and 7th centuries.
Detailed History of the Baths of CaracallaFrequently Asked Questions About Roman Baths of Caracalla in Rome
Q: Why are the Roman Baths of Caracalla famous?
A: The Roman Baths of Caracalla are famous for their impressive size and grandeur. The complex covered an area of more than 60 acres and could accommodate up to 6000 bathers at a time. It is known for its amenities including hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and exercise areas. It was also regarded as a place of opulence, decorated with impressive mosaics, sculptures, and other works of art.
Q: How much are Roman Baths of Caracalla tickets?
A: As of 2023, the price of a standard ticket for the Baths of Caracalla is €8 for adults, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors.
Q: How can I get to the Roman Baths of Caracalla?
The Roman Baths of Caracalla can be easily reached by public transportation. The closest metro station is Circo Massimo on Line B, with several bus stops nearby as well.
Q: What are Roman Baths of Caracalla timings?
A: As of 2023, the opening timings of Roman Baths of Caracalla are Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 4.30 PM.
Q: What can I do at the Roman Baths of Caracalla?
A: At the Roman Baths of Caracalla, visitors can explore the remains of the ancient bathing complex, including the various rooms and areas that were used for different purposes. There are also several exhibits showcasing the history of the Baths and the ancient Roman bathing culture.
Q: Who built the Roman Baths of Caracalla?
A: The Roman Baths of Caracalla were built by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus and his successor emperor Caracalla.
Q: When were the Roman Baths of Caracalla built?
A: The Roman Baths of Caracalla were built between AD 206 and 235 AD, during the reign of Emperor Caracalla.
Q: Where are the Roman Baths of Caracalla located?
A: The Roman Baths of Caracalla are located in Rome, Italy, near the ancient Appian Way and the Circus Maximus.
Q: Is it safe to visit the Roman Baths of Caracalla?
A: Don't be afraid of getting lost in the vast archaeological site of the Baths. Adequate signs and staff are there to guide you at the site. The site has been restored and is well-maintained, with security measures in place to ensure the well-being of visitors.
What are the Baths of Caracalla?
The Baths of Caracalla is an ancient Roman bathing complex that dates back to early second century. It was constructed by the emperor Caracalla, and is today known for its well maintained ruins.
Why were the Baths of Caracalla built?
The Baths of Caracalla was envisioned not only as a massive bathing complex but an important center for social life in the Roman empire. Apart from its numerous bathing rooms, the Baths were also equipped with courtyards for games, exercise rooms, and even libraries where intellectuals would meet!
