Diocletian Baths in Rome

Diocletian Baths in Rome

Sponsored links

Diocletian Baths: Historic Features
The baths were built in 298 A.D. by the co-Emperor Maxmian, named Augustus of the West by Diocletian, who was Emperor in Asia Minor and never even visited Rome. The baths opened in 306 A.D. They lied on a wide area of some 32 acres and were the largest and most sumptuous baths in Rome. Notwithstanding the sack of Rome at the hands of the Goths and Vandals, the baths remained in use until 537, when the Goths of Vitige cut off the aqueducts making the baths useless, a destiny that they share with Caracalla Baths. In the years of the decay of the Roman Empire and in the next period the different rooms were to be used for various ends, and the group of buildings was looted to obtain materials for other construction projects. In 1500 the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was built in the place formerly assigned to the Tepidarium. The dedication to martyrs was added because the baths were built by Christian slaves according to the Christian hagiography, many of whom died during the baths' construction. In fact, the last great Christian persecution dates back to the period of the Emperor Diocletian. The church was subject to fundamental changes in 1700 when some rooms were used by popes as corn stores, including the octagonal room. Where there once was the monastery of the Carthusians designed by Michelangelo, now there is one of the four sites of the National Roman Museum, which hosts an unmissable collection of archaeological findings from the Rome area dating back to the period between the 5th century B.C. and the 3rd century A.D.

Diocletian Baths: Description
The baths were built to serve the crowded districts of the Quirinale, Viminale and Esquilino Hills. Coming from Piazzale dei Cinquecento, the wide square in front of Termini Station, you may reach some gardens that contain Roman antiquities. This enormous bath complex was made up of a central group of buildings, composed of the calidarium, the tepidarium and the natatio (this latter allowed to swim in cold water) was located on the minor axis. On the main axis gymnasiums were located surrounded by a big fenced area used as a garden. The site of the Diocletian Baths included sculptures and funerary materials and contained finds coming from different urban excavations. In Piazza della Repubblica there is the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. Michelangelo, the author of the church, transformed the main hall of the baths into a church. Just at the entrance of the church you can find an area whose distribution is very different from that of a typical Christian church. Laterally widened, rather than longitudinally, at the entrance it has a circular vestibule and a deep presbytery which gives hospitality to a choir of Carthusians .

The changes of 1700 made by Luigi Vanvitelli modified in particular the interior set up, with the moving of a lot of altar-pieces from the basilica of Saint Peter's. The church was transformed into a rich picture gallery. Walking around the area you can see what remains of other sections of the baths, for example from Via Parigi behind the octagonal room, and from Via Volturno where you can see what remains of the old tank. The circular structure of the Church of San Benardo alle Terme was also originally a part of the original plan for the baths. 

Diocletian Baths: How to Get There
The Diocletian Baths are just beyond Termini Station, in Via E. de Nicola, 78. You can reach them easily both by bus (any that stops at Termini Station or in Piazza dei Cinquecento) and the Rome Metro (stop Termini or Repubblica: coming out from the latter you may admire the colonnade that composed the ancient portico of the baths). For those who take the car: the station area can be reached by private means, remember that the parking is to be paid for everywhere.

Diocletian Baths: Opening Hours
From Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m.  to 7:45 p.m. Closed on Monday. Information and phone booking: tel. 06/39967700

Diocletian Baths: What to Visit
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Piazza della Repubblica, the Fountain of Moses, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore are all within walking distance of the baths, as well as Via Nazionale if you are interested in doing some shopping.

Diocletian Baths: Accommodation
There are several hotels in the area where you can stay. You can consult our Hotel in the Center of Rome guide.

Diocletian Baths: Where to Eat
Some useful advice can be found on our Restaurants in Rome page, as well as where to eat a good at Pizza in Rome.

Diocletian Baths: What to Do
Our guide to Pubs in Rome will reveal the best pubs and discos where to have a pleasant night in Rome.

More and different things to come in Diocletian Baths in Rome.

 
View Baths of Diocletian in a larger map

Print, send by e-mail, recommend in your social networks: share and enjoy
Condividi Tweet