Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)

The Basics

Built in AD 212 during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, the 25-hectare complex included three different baths, two gyms, a swimming pool, and a library. Open to Romans from all social classes, the Terme di Caracalla was more a center for leisure than strictly baths, though the Aqua Marcia aqueduct (the longest in Rome) was specifically built to provide water for the vast bathing areas. The baths were in use until AD 537, when invaders destroyed the aqueducts that supplied water and plundered the sculptures and precious materials decorating the baths; in the year AD 847, an earthquake destroyed part of what remained of the complex.

Like many ancient Roman ruins, the Baths of Caracalla are difficult to interpret to the untrained eye, so it’s worth booking a guide as part of an archaeological tour. Many small-group tours of Rome’s most important ancient sites include skip-the-line entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, along with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. You can tour these attractions on foot or join a bike or Segway tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Baths of Caracalla is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.

• Tours of the baths are especially fascinating for Roman history enthusiasts.

• The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• There are restrooms and a bookshop at the site.

How to Get There

The Baths of Caracalla archaeological site is located in south-eastern Rome, within walking distance from the Circo Massimo metro station that connects with the main Termini train station.

When to Get There

The archaeological site is largely open-air, so visit when the weather is clear and not too hot. In summer, arrive first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

The Politics of the Baths

The Baths of Caracalla was constructed by the notoriously spiteful Emperor Caracalla as part of a political propaganda campaign. Because the extravagant complex was open to all Roman citizens and completely free of charge, it eventually helped improve the emperor’s popularity among the public.

Ways to explore

Like many Roman ruins, the Baths of Caracalla are challenging to interpret to the untrained eye, so booking a guided archaeological tour is worth it. Many small-group tours of Rome’s top ancient sights include skip-the-line entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, and visit other attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. Close to the start of the Appian Way, the Baths of Caracalla can also be combined with tours of ancient Rome’s most important road. You can see all these attractions on foot, or join a bike or golf cart excursion.

Accessibility

The Baths of Caracalla are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a flat visiting route and accessible restrooms on-site.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes, as your visit to the baths will be almost entirely outdoors.

Not allowed

Drones, bicycles, speakers, tampering with archaeological artifacts

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides, baby-changing station, stroller storage

Address

The Baths of Caracalla are within a 15-minute walk south of Rome’s major ancient attractions, including the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. You can also get there by car or public transportation.

Driving

Self-navigating through Rome’s bustling traffic isn’t recommended for visitors, but taxis and rideshare services are widely available and can drop you off at the Baths of Caracalla entrance.

Public transportation

The Baths of Caracalla are about a 10-minute walk from Circo Massimo metro station, accessible on the B or B1 line from the Colosseum and Termini train station.

Best times to visit

The Baths of Caracalla are largely open-air, so visit first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

Best days to visit

The first Sunday of the month is free-admission day at the archaeological site, while Tuesdays to Thursdays are best for minimal crowds.

Best months to visit

Aim to visit the baths in October or between March and May, when temperatures are mild and you can bypass Rome’s summer crowds.

Special events

The annual Caracalla Festival from June to August has performances of opera, dance, theater, pop music, and more at the ancient venue.