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Baths of Diocletian
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- Name
- Baths of Diocletian
- Continent
- EUROPE
- Alt Name:
- Terme di Diocleziano
- Country:
- Italy
- Period:
- Ancient Rome
- Sub-Region:
- Southern Europe
- Date:
- 300AD - 399AD
- City/Town:
- Rome
- Figure:
- Diocletian
- Resorts:
- Rome,
- Related:
- Baths of Caracalla, Aula Ottagona,
Diocletian’s Palace,
about Baths of Diocletian
Once the largest ancient baths complex in the world, the Baths of Diocletian – or Terme di Diocleziano – was built between 298AD and 306AD in honour of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Set out along the traditional model of a Roman baths complex, the Baths of Diocletian contained a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room) and caldarium (hot room or steam room) as well as additional large bathing chambers, gymnasiums and even a library. The baths themselves were a hugely impressive building project, particularly given how swiftly they were constructed. The majority of the water for the baths was supplied by the Acqua Marcia.
The key difference with other contemporary baths was simply a question of scale - it is believed that at their height the Baths of Diocletian could hold up to 3,000 people at a time.
Given the sheer size of the Baths of Diocletian, it is no surprise that the structure did not survive intact over the centuries. However, various elements of the baths survive - some standing as grand ruins, others having been incorporated into other buildings. It can therefore be difficult at times to distinguish between the original building, restored areas and more modern constructions built within the complex.
One of the key tourist attractions for those wishing to view the baths is the Museo Nazionale Romano - Terme di Diocleziano, which is part of the Rome National Museum (shown on map, above). This museum, opened in 1889, was built within the Baths of Diocletian and contains several collections from the ancient world. Although the museum contains many interesting exhibits, it gives little insight into the original baths themselves.
Probably the best place to view the actual structure, and get an idea as to the original scale of the Baths of Diocletian, is the well preserved Aula Ottagona. Also part of the Rome National Museum, it contains many artefacts found during the excavation. Though currently closed except when hosting an exhibition, it is the sheer scale and preservation of the structure that impresses most .
Other areas of the Baths of Diocletian can also be explored in the nearby Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri and Church of San Bernardo alle Terme.
Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Baths of Diocletian is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or now.
contact details
Address: Terme di Diocleziano, Viale E. di Nicola 79, Rome
Phone: +39 06 39967700
E-Mail: info@060608.it
useful information
Directions:
The nearest metro station is Termini (lines A and B).
Ticket Information:
The Museo Nazionale Romano: Terme di Diocleziano is open from 9am–7.45pm. Closed Mondays. Also closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Entry costs €8 and covers access to other National Museum of Rome sites.
Links:
http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago/beni-culturali/beni-archeologici/terme-di-diocleziano.html
http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en/museums/national-roman-museum-baths-diocletian
http://www.pierreci.it/home-page/en/museums-and-monuments/terme-di-diocleziano.aspx
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