TERM OF CARACALLA (THERMAL BATHS OF CARACALLA)

Among the many large thermal baths of the Imperial period, the Caracalla baths are the ones that have come down to us in the best condition. Entirely preserved in its original design, albeit stripped of its marble and decorations, the establishment follows the scheme laid down a century earlier by Apollodorus of Damascus for Trajan's baths on Colle Oppio: axial plan, symmetry and functionalism are the watchwords here! With a surface area of 120,000 m², the Baths of Caracalla could accommodate 1,500 people simultaneously.

There was a gymnasium, library, auditorium and extensive gardens. The portico-shaped enclosure has disappeared, and today you enter through what was once the frigidarium, a large cold-water pool. The water supply needed to meet the high demand for these thermal baths was contained in the many cisterns built into the walls of the establishment - in the basement, a network of wide corridors connected to the upper floor by trapdoors made the incessant work of the servants almost invisible to users. Built under the reign of Caracalla, from 212 to 217, the use of this extraordinary complex was interrupted in 537, when the Goths, during a siege, cut the aqueducts, thus depriving the thermal baths of their fundamental element: water.

During your visit , you can be accompanied by an audio or video guide. The latter uses virtual reality to take you back to the year 216, when the baths were inaugurated. It's the best way to experience the splendor of the Roman era, as you discover this architectural masterpiece and its pools and saunas as the Romans knew them. Audioguides and videoguides are available in French, and are very useful for understanding the history of the thermal baths.

The Opera of Rome takes up summer residence in the Baths of Caracalla. A unique setting for a top-flight program, which became a festival in 2023: the "Caracalla Festival". Operas, ballets, concerts: the program is rich and the shows take place in the splendid Teatro Grande, a 4,500-seat arena in the heart of the thermal baths, or in the Teatro del Portico. We particularly recommend attending an opera, for a magical evening! Please note: if you don't understand Italian, English surtitles are often provided.