Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In

Travel Tips

Search:
Home » Europe » Italy » Lazio » Rome » The Baths of Caracalla - Rome, Italy

"The Baths of Caracalla" a Rome Travel Page by martin_nl

See the Entire Rome Travel Guide

Click Picture to enlarge.
 email me
 add as friend


martin_nl    
It's all good...


Real Name: Martin M.
Lives In: Hoofddorp, NL
Member Since: May 28, 2002
VT Rank: 177

 

martin_nl's Rome Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
The Baths of CaracallaMay, 2003 8
The Via Appia Antica IMay, 2003 8
The Via Appia Antica IIMay, 2003 7

Page Views: 3,716            Last Visit to Rome: May, 2003      

The Baths of Caracalla

by martin_nl - last update: Aug 22, 2003

The gardens inside the baths
On the morning of our visit to the Via Appia Antica we first went to have a look in the Baths of Caracalla, the best preserved Baths of Rome.

Please take a look at the pictures now, because words will be added later.
View from the Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
We approached the Baths from the Viale delle Terme di Caracalla. This is also where the bus will drop you off. Even from quite a distance the structures look very impressive. And not without reason. The building was made so that 1600 people could swim all at the same time.
The former gym and meeting rooms on the east side
On the eastern side of the complex there was room for a gym and a fitness centre. On this side were also som e conference rooms and there was a stock room. This room stocked oils and parfums.
The complex where you could actually swim
The complex in the middle was where you could actually swim. The construction works were finished in 217 and were used for about 300 years. This was when the Goths destroyed the piping.
The Caldarium - very hot bath
A real Roman Bath wasn't very easy and there were many rituals. The Romans started with some sort of Turkish steam bath after which they moved on to the 'caldarium', a very hot bath. After that they moved on to the 'tepidarium' which was less hot then the 'caldarium'. Then off to the 'frigidarium' with cold water which was also the central meeting place. Finally they moved on to the open air pool, called the 'natatio'.
The building is really huge!!
The building is so huge, you haven't a clue. It makes a huge impact on you! Try and compare this bath with a pool you know....
Some parts left of the floor mosaics
Many pieces of the floor are still intact and are displayed in certain areas.
Another view of the baths and gardens
You'll get many nice photo opportunities. The arches are fantastic to look through.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

martin_nl's Rome Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
The Baths of CaracallaMay, 2003 8
The Via Appia Antica IMay, 2003 8
The Via Appia Antica IIMay, 2003 7

Comments for martin_nl about Rome
slothtraveller Thu May 29, 2008 22:02 UTC
 That picture of the Coliseum at night looks amazing. Did you fit everything into 4 days easily? I am thinking of Rome as a possible destination for a trip soon. :-)
icunme Sat Feb 9, 2008 20:35 UTC
 Outstanding photos and detail - Grazie, Carol
fdrich29 Wed Sep 12, 2007 23:04 UTC
 Great Rome tips and pictures! There is so much to see!
zoegoddess Mon Sep 11, 2006 17:07 UTC
 I've truly enjoyed browsing through your tips and pictures. Thanks for the fabulous ideas! Take care, Zoë
See More Comments

Rome Hotels

About VirtualTourist10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTouristContact UsPress CenterHelpUser AgreementPrivacy Statement
Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.