The Baths of Caracalla in Rome

Just steps away from the major ancient sites of Rome, the Baths of Caracalla are a vast thermal complex remarkably well-preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman life nearly 1800 years ago!

Follow the guide!

A Brief History of the Baths of Caracalla

The Origins of the Baths of Caracalla

While it’s likely that the construction of the Baths of Caracalla was initiated by Emperor Septimius Severus, it was under the reign of his son, Caracalla, that the baths were built between 212 and 216 AD.

To supply the baths with water, Caracalla ordered the construction of the Aqua Antoniniana, a branch of the Aqua Marcia aqueduct. The water was then stored in 64 cisterns, each with a capacity of 80,000 liters.

The imposing outer walls of the baths were commissioned by Caracalla’s successors: Elagabalus and Severus Alexander.

At the time of their construction, the Baths of Caracalla were the largest thermal complex in the capital. They were later surpassed by the Baths of Diocletian, built between the 3^rd and 4^th centuries, but remained, according to ancient sources, the most beautiful baths in Rome. Some Romans even described them as one of the Seven Wonders of ancient Rome!

Well-being, Sports Socializing

Far from being mere public baths, the Baths of Caracalla were a vast complex dedicated to hygiene, well-being, and relaxation.

In ancient times, the Baths of Caracalla were a meeting place conducive to discussion and socialization. Visitors could relax in the baths and get massages, chat in the vast gardens, work out at the palaestra (a sports center), study at the library, and according to some sources, even have a good time in a brothel…

These Romans…

The Decline of the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla remained in use until the 6^th century AD when the Ostrogoth invaders destroyed the aqueduct supplying water to the baths.

The baths then gradually fell into oblivion. Like many ancient Roman sites, they were looted during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and their materials were reused for new constructions.

Looters discovered incredible statues on the site, including the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules, now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Two large gray Egyptian marble basins, similar to giant bathtubs, were also found: they can be seen at Piazza Farnese in Rome.

Today, the Baths of Caracalla are among the most iconic ancient sites in Rome. If you’re visiting during the high season, it’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in queues.

A Description of the Baths of Caracalla in Antiquity

Architecture and Decoration

In antiquity, the Baths of Caracalla were one of the largest and most sumptuous buildings in Rome.

Covering an area of 11 hectares (27 acres), the baths formed an immense complex with vast gardens, public baths, massage rooms, sports facilities (palaestras, swimming pools…), and a large library.

Bathers moved through several rooms and pools in a specific order:

• The apodyterium, the changing rooms
• The caldarium, a large rotunda topped with a dome containing a very hot water pool (50 to 55°C). Adjacent rooms similar to saunas were also accessible from the caldarium;
• The tepidarium, a smaller room with a warm water pool;
• The frigidarium, a cool room with cold water pools.

In antiquity, the Baths of Caracalla were richly decorated with paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. A beautiful mosaic depicting athletes, discovered during excavations in the 19^th century, is on display at the Vatican Museums.

The Underground of the Baths

The Baths of Caracalla also concealed vast underground areas where slaves worked amidst a large network of galleries and water pipes that ensured the proper functioning of the baths.

Excavations in the 20^th century led to the discovery of a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to Mithra, an Indo-Iranian deity whose influence extended into the Roman Empire. A similar temple was also found in the basement of the Palazzo Barberini.

Visiting the Baths of Caracalla

Despite their age (and the looting), the Baths of Caracalla have astonishingly withstood the test of time.

While the paintings, sculptures, and mosaics have mostly disappeared, a significant portion of the baths’ structure remains intact, providing a clear idea of the monumental scale of the thermal complex in antiquity.

If you’re visiting the baths on your own (outside of a guided tour), note that the site is dotted with information panels in English and Italian. However, Captain Ulysse strongly recommends opting for the audio guide, which will help you better envision the site and learn more about the rich history of this iconic thermal complex.

Plan to spend about an hour touring the site, more if you prefer to take your time and wander through the park.

Practical Information

Getting to the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are located near most of the ancient sites in Rome, just steps from the Circus Maximus and the Palatine Hill.

The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo on line B. Buses number 118, 160, and 628 also stop nearby.

Opening Hours of the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are closed on Monday afternoons (from 2 PM). They are open all day for the rest of the week. The hours vary by season:

Tickets and Guided Tours of the Baths of Caracalla

Entrance to the Baths of Caracalla costs €12 for a full ticket, €6 for EU citizens aged 18 to 24, and free for EU citizens under 18 and over 65, and €2 for visitors under 18. The audio guide is available for €5.

If you love history and want to learn more about the baths and ancient Rome, Captain Ulysse recommends this guided tour in English: Guided Tour of the Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus.

Skip the lines: book your tickets and tours in Rome!

Credits
Julien