"The Baths of Caracalla" Rome Travelogue by martin_nl

Rome Travel Guide: 13,939 reviews and 24,429 photos

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.

Page Updated Aug 22, 2003
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Comments (44)

RoscoeGregg Nov 19, 2009 at 4:47 AM Report Abuse

Great Rome Tips! It is how rome is never enough time to see it all. Thanks For the Tips Randy
slothtraveller May 29, 2008 at 2:02 PM Report Abuse

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 Feb 9, 2008 at 12:35 PM Report Abuse

Outstanding photos and detail - Grazie, Carol
fdrich29 Sep 12, 2007 at 3:04 PM Report Abuse

Great Rome tips and pictures! There is so much to see!
zoegoddess Sep 11, 2006 at 9:07 AM Report Abuse

I've truly enjoyed browsing through your tips and pictures. Thanks for the fabulous ideas! Take care, Zoë
jennwerner Jun 16, 2006 at 1:09 PM Report Abuse

Loved all your pictures and tips. I will be going to Italy for my honeymoon late July. Your page is very helpful.
catnl Feb 4, 2006 at 8:43 AM Report Abuse

great tips maybe iam in rome in march 2006 fijn weekend!
Maurizioago Feb 1, 2006 at 2:06 AM Report Abuse

Very useful tips. I hope to spend some days in Rome at Easter. Ciao!
canadiantravelgirl Jan 20, 2006 at 6:40 AM Report Abuse

Great page!!! I will come back and read more soon!!
dmirebella Nov 5, 2005 at 2:01 PM Report Abuse

I agree with you Martin.. there's jz too many things to do in Rome! Excellent pages :-)