Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla in Italian) were the largest public baths in Rome. They are located in Regio XII in the city of Rome.  The water was supplied by the Aqua Marcia aqueduct.

The public baths were constructed during the reign of Marco Aurelio Antonino Basiano Emperor, also known as 'Caracalla' between 212 and 216.  The baths were erected in a characteristic style of ancient Rome imperial. Inside the building there were different changing rooms (apodyterium) before to get to palestra, which was a room for gymnastics. Next to it, there were rooms for massages and resting. Probably, there was also a library. In the complex called 'heated rooms', there was a sauna, as well as a pool with hot water (calidarium). Close to the 'heated rooms' there was a countyard where was a pool with cold water (frigidarium). Playing fields and squares for practising sports were located within the area of the baths.

The interior of the whole building was meandering and mysterious with many alcoves with decorative elements. The walls and the floors were adorned with a plenty of mosaics and paintings, some of them is possible to visit nowadays. Outside, between trees and shrubs different sculptures were scattered. The most famous ones is the Farnese Bull. This monumental sculpture was found in 1546 when Pope Paul III searched sculptures to decorate his Roman residence. Currently, the sculpture is exhibited in Archaeological Museum in Naples. Actually, during excavations held in the 16th and the 17th centuries, many pieces of art were found and most of the sculptures, statues and mosaics were shifted to the museum of Naples or the Vatican Museum.

The baths remained in use until the 6th century, during an invasion of the Ostrogoths when Roman aqueducts were demolished.

Today, the site of the Baths of Caracalla is a perfect place for strolls and escaping city noise.