The Baths of Diocletian in Rome

Once the largest thermal complex of ancient Rome, the Baths of Diocletian have stood the test of time, with much of their structure still impressively intact.

Today, they house the Museum of the Baths of Diocletian—one of four sites of the National Roman Museum—along with the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Though lesser-known compared to other ancient landmarks in Rome, the Baths of Diocletian are definitely worth a visit if you’re spending some time in the Eternal City.

Good to know: Entry to the Baths of Diocletian is discounted with the Roma Pass, which also includes skip-the-line access to numerous monuments in the city, along with unlimited access to public transport. It’s a great way to avoid wasting time in long queues!

A Brief History of the Baths of Diocletian

The Origins of the Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian were constructed between 298 and 305 AD, during the reign of co-emperor Maximian Herculeus, who governed the western part of the empire while Diocletian ruled the east.

Modeled after the Baths of Caracalla but twice their size, the Baths of Diocletian spanned a colossal 14 hectares / 35 acres, making them the largest thermal complex ever built in ancient Rome.

As with other Roman baths, they featured a caldarium (hot bath), tepidarium (warm bath), frigidarium (cold bath), and natatio (swimming pool), along with a library and expansive gardens. Water was supplied by one of the many aqueducts in the city.

The Decline of the Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian remained active for over three centuries. In the 6^th century AD, the invading Goths cut off Rome’s aqueducts, leading to the abandonment of the city’s baths.

Like many ancient sites, the baths were later repurposed as a quarry, with materials taken for new constructions.

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

In the 16^th century, Pope Pius IV commissioned Michelangelo to transform part of the old baths into a basilica.

Dedicated to the Christian martyrs who were said to have worked on the baths’ construction 12 centuries earlier, the basilica occupies the former frigidarium, tepidarium, and natatio of the thermal complex.

The Baths of Diocletian and the National Roman Museum

In 1899, the National Roman Museum was established within the Baths of Diocletian, bringing together ancient Roman sculptures and artifacts unearthed in Rome and its surroundings.

As the collection grew,

the museum expanded into four distinct sites: the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, and the Crypta Balbi.

Visiting the Baths of Diocletian

Today, the Baths of Diocletian consist of two main attractions:

• The Museum of the Baths of Diocletian (Museo Nazionale delle Terme)
  
  
• The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs)

The Museum of the Baths of Diocletian

The museum offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient thermal complex, including preserved sections such as the apodyterium (changing room) and atrium. It also features a remarkable collection of ancient statues and artifacts.

Don’t miss the magnificent cloister, attributed to Michelangelo!

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

The basilica is notable for retaining many original architectural features from the Baths of Diocletian.

Inside, you’ll also find the famous Meridiana di Bianchini, an 18^th-century astronomical meridian line that marks noon, solstices, and equinoxes.

Practical Information

Getting to the Baths of Diocletian

The Baths are located near Piazza della Repubblica and Termini Station, which is served by metro lines A and B, as well as numerous bus routes.

Opening hours of the Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 7 PM (last entry at 6 PM).

Admission Prices

The ticket price is €12 for adults, €8 for EU citizens aged 18-25, and free for EU citizens under 17 and over 65. Admission also includes access to the other three sites of the National Roman Museum (Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, and the Crypta Balbi).

For a simpler visit, you can opt for a ticket exclusive to the Baths of Diocletian at €8 (general) or €2 (reduced).

The Roma Pass also offers a discount on admission to the National Roman Museum. For more information, click here.

Avoid long lines: book your tickets and tours for Rome!

Credits
michael kooiman | Hannah Becker | michael kooiman | Carole Raddato | telwink