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Ruins · Roma, Lazio
Terme di Caracalla
One of the largest public bath complexes of ancient Rome, from the early 3rd century. Walls over 30 meters high, mosaics on the floor and the stage for the summer opera season.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Terme di Caracalla
The Terme di Caracalla were built between 212 and 216 AD, during the reigns of Septimius Severus and his son Caracalla. They were the second‑largest bath complex in Rome, after the Terme di Diocleziano, and operated until the 6th century. Besides hot, warm and cold pools, they included gymnasiums, gardens, libraries and meeting rooms.
What is striking is the scale. The brick walls rise more than 30 meters, and you can make out the symmetrical plan: the calidarium, the large circular hall of the hot bath; the tepidarium; the frigidarium; and the two lateral palestrae where exercises were performed. Sections of the floor still preserve black‑and‑white and colored mosaics.
Famous sculptures, such as the Touro Farnese and the Hércules Farnese, came from these ruins and are now in the Museu Arqueológico de Nápoles. Part of the underground areas, through which slaves and the firewood that heated the water circulated, can be visited on specific tours.
In summer, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma stages its open‑air season there, with operas, ballets and concerts using the ruins as a backdrop. The baths are located south of the center, at the start of the Via Appia, and pair well with the Circo Massimo and the Aventino on the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1h30 to 2 hours.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because the area is open and has little shade. In summer (June to August) the open‑air opera season usually takes place at night. The baths are closed on Mondays; check the monthly schedules.
How to get there
On foot from the Circo Massimo metro station (line B), about 10 minutes along the Viale delle Terme di Caracalla. Buses 118 and 628 stop nearby.
Tip
Bring water and a hat: the route is long and exposed to the sun. Check the official website to see if the underground sites are open or if there are night visits during your trip. If you’re going to the summer opera, buy your ticket in advance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Terme di Caracalla
Do the Baths of Caracalla open every day?
They usually close on Mondays, and the opening hours change depending on the month. Check before you go.
How long does the visit take?
Between 1.5 and 2 hours to tour the main rooms, the palestra areas and the mosaics. With the underground areas, when open, allow more time.
What happens at the Baths of Caracalla in summer?
The Teatro dell'Opera di Roma stages its open-air season there, with operas, ballets and evening shows. Tickets are sold separately.
Can you walk from the Colosseum?
Yes, in about 20 minutes, passing the Circo Massimo. Another option is to take the metro to Circo Massimo station and walk 10 minutes.