For Ancient Rome baths (terms) - it was a real cult and a place where you can not only wash, but also solve various issues. Roman baths surprised both with their architecture and scale, and engineering forethought. Already in the first centuries of our era, such baths had heating, steam rooms, pools and were thought out no worse than any modern spa. Today in Rome you can see several such structures, among which are particularly impressive Ruins of the Baths of Caracalla.
Emperor Caracalla remained in history with an extremely bad reputation: a bloody despot, fratricide and initiator of countless wars. However, the baths he built impressed both enemies and allies.
Construction was carried out from 212 to 217. True, at the time of completion of the work, the emperor Caracal was killed during his journey from Edessa to Karra. He could not see this unique structure finished.
With time the baths of Antoniniana (their other name), significantly expanded by completing several more buildings and increasing the park. By the 5th century, the complex was located on an area of about 11 hectares and was considered one of the Roman wonders.
And this is understandable, because even now, when the complex is in ruins, you are amazed at the thickness of the multi-meter walls and tall vaults.
Terme Caracalla were richly lined with marble, the halls were decorated with mosaics and sculptures.
Moving from frigidarium to tepidarium, even the poorest resident of Rome could enjoy the skillful design of the baths. It is not for nothing that the construction of the term is considered one of the best gifts of emperors to their citizens.
The decline of the Roman baths, including the Antoninian baths, began in the second half of the 6th century. Rome at that time was already ruled by the papal throne, where washing, and even more so going to the bath, was considered harmful and unnecessary.
The complex of buildings fell into disrepair from century to century, was dismantled for building materials, and instead of the privileged residents of the city, the poor and the homeless flocked here more and more.
The Baths of Caracalla found their second life in the first half of the 20th century, when the Roman mayor Prospero Colonna di Paliano decided to use the ruins of the complex for the open stage of the opera house.
Thus, since 1937, concerts and performances have been held here in the scenery of Ancient Rome.
In 2001, work on the restoration of the Roman baths was completed, they continued for 10 years. Now you can visit the ruins of the term with excursions and on your own. Entrance to the territory is paid, the price starts from 8 euros (tickets online). You can also take virtual reality glasses and see how the terms looked originally.
The ruins of the baths are located near the Colosseum, walk about 15 minutes. The nearest metro station is Circus Maximus, below is the point with the location on the map:
If you are in Rome, be sure to set aside a day to visit the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. Read also The Republic hotel review and advice How to get from Rome to Florence.
