A trip to Rome is a journey back in time to the world of emperors, gladiators, and remarkable architecture. Among the many notable feats of Roman engineering were the ancient baths, known as thermae, which served as communal hubs for socializing, relaxation, and personal wellness. Although many of these structures have been destroyed or abandoned, some still remain standing, allowing visitors a chance to step back in time. Here are the top ancient Roman baths you can explore in Rome today.
Dive into the History of Roman Bath Culture
The ancient Romans built their society around socializing and leisure, with bathing playing a central role in their culture. Public baths, often commissioned by emperors, were a common meeting place where people could unwind, catch up with friends, and engage in recreational activities like gambling and eating snacks. Not just a place for cleansing and soaking, some bathhouses were equipped with libraries, gyms, and even theatres, providing a full day’s worth of entertainment.
Discover the Stunning Remains of the Baths of Caracalla
📍Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM
🏷 https://www.coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-for-baths-of-caracalla/
Located in Rome, the Baths of Caracalla stand as a testament to the luxurious bathing culture of ancient Rome. Built by Emperor Caracalla in 212 AD, this massive complex once hosted up to 1,600 daily visitors, all enjoying the delights of the various rooms, pools, and facilities within the complex. While only the outer walls of the baths remain, the underground tunnels are open to the public, and the surrounding area has been transformed into a sprawling lawn hosting theatrical performances and events. Access to the baths is available for €15, with private guided tours of the complex and other nearby attractions also available.
Experience the Majesty of the Baths of Diocletian
📍Viale Enrico de Nicola, 78, 00185 Roma RM
🏷 https://museonazionaleromano.beniculturali.it/en/opening-hours-and-tickets/
As one of the largest and best-preserved bath complexes in Rome, the Baths of Diocletian offer a unique look into the daily lives of ancient Romans. With capacity for up to 3,000 visitors, the baths were a social hub until they were closed after 230 years of operation. The complex then stood half-empty for over a millennium before being repurposed into a Carthusian monastery in the 1560s, eventually transforming into the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, a church originally designed by Michelangelo. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating space, which also houses the Church of San Bernardo alle Terme and part of the National Roman Museum.
Uncover the Secrets of the Baths of Trajan
📍Via della Domus Aurea, 1, 00184 Roma RM
🏷 Free
Constructed in 109 AD, the Baths of Trajan are among the oldest and largest baths in Rome. Situated on Oppian Hill Park behind the Colosseum, the baths took over the site of the former Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s opulent palace that was destroyed in a fire. Today, two sections of the baths are visible to visitors: the semicircular wall and the Seven Halls, a group of nine cisterns that once held over eight million liters of water.
Explore Other Remnants of Ancient Bath Culture
While the Baths of Caracalla, Diocletian, and Trajan offer the most immersive experiences, other, lesser-known remnants of ancient bath culture can also be found throughout Rome. Look for the arch of the Baths of Agrippa near Largo di Torre Argentina, Baths of Nero – Nero’s remaining columns on Via di Sant’Eustachio, and the last vestiges of the Baths of Titus in Oppian Hill Park.
Relax in Modern Replicas of Ancient Baths
Though you cannot bathe in Rome’s historic thermae, you can experience a similar bathing experience just a short trip away in nearby Tuscany. Take a day trip to the Baths of Saturnia, a group of natural hot springs that have been bubbling since pre-Roman times. The thermal baths, combined with the cascading pools at the Mulino Waterfalls, provide the perfect sanctuary to indulge in the ancient tradition of relaxation and rejuvenation.
