"The Baths of Caracalla" Rome Travelogue by martin_nl

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.