We all know the Thermae of Caracalla. We have all seen them at least once in photography. Also called Thermae Antoninianae, from the full name of Emperor Caracalla, these public Thermae of ancient Rome represent one of the most magnificent and impressive examples of Imperial baths.
In Rome, history is everywhere, and the Baths of Caracalla are an example of this
The construction of these thermae dates back between 213 and 216 AD on the “small” Aventino (about 400m outside what was once Porta Capena). This was the largest imperial (public) baths built in the territory of the Roman Empire, until the Baths of Diocletian were built (306 AD).
The structure of the Baths of Caracalla
The plant adopted is inspired by that of the Trajan thermae on the Esquiline, which are considered the prototype of the Roman imperial baths:
a vast quadrangular enclosure used for various services encloses a garden and a central body containing the changing rooms, the bathrooms and the gyms. The monumental complex measures 337 × 328 meters and reaches 406 meters in width, also considering the exedras, and only the central body measures 114 × 220 meters. The orientation of the buildings also echoes that of the Baths of Trajan! The caldarium was on the south side, to make the most of the sun exposure, illuminated by large windows and protruding from the main structure like a forepart. Finally, the space between the enclosure and the central body was occupied by the green areas, which also included a xystus (covered walkway, perhaps by a pergola).
The sections of the plant
The central body is a rectangular block composed of rooms with a different plan with a plant that echoed that of the other imperial baths, with the bath along the central axis and the others duplicated and symmetrically arranged.
The people could enter through four doors, located on the north-east side. Two entries were into the arcades along the short sides of the pool (the “natatio”); the other two, probably the main entrances, spread onto the large vestibules that allowed access to the changing rooms (“apodyteria”) located between the vestibules and the swimming pool. The two gyms, symmetrical to each other, are located along the short sides of the building. These were accessible from both the vestibules and the changing rooms and had a central courtyard initially closed on three sides by a portico.
A group of heated rooms was on the opposite side of the gyms from the vestibules; the largest of which was almost certainly a laconicum (sauna). Finally, at the end of the sequence, there was the calidarium with windows, a circular plan and multiple basins, covered by a dome supported by eight mighty pillars. In the central area of the building, there was the frigidarium, equipped with tanks for cold water and with (even) a function of connection between the various sectors of the baths. In the same area was the tepidarium, a smaller and more temperate room, irregular and containing two basins on the sides.
Useful information for visiting the Thermae of Caracalla
First of all, remember that in this post-covid period it is mandatory to buy the ticket in advance (I purchased it on Ticketbar). Therefore, once at the cash desk, before you start the visit, a person will measure your temperature, and you will have to show the barcode on the ticket purchase confirmation. The tour has an obligatory direction, indicated by barriers, along a “circular” trajectory: do not forget to follow the signs for the gardens, before arriving inside the central building, because then you will not be able to go back!
Again, remember that the mask is mandatory throughout the visit, even if it is outdoors (I do not deny having seen many people who wore it under their chins).
Hours: Thursday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 19:15.
The number of daily admissions: at the moment, due to restrictions, just over 400 people can access a day. So I suggest you book your ticket early;
Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 52;
Website: https://www.coopculture.it/heritage.cfm?id=6;
