Kaiserthermen
Ruins of a late-antique imperial bath complex in Trier (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with underground service tunnels, a viewing tower and an exhibition on the imperial residence.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Towards the end of the 3rd century, when Trier rose to become a residence of Roman emperors, construction began on the Kaiserthermen (Imperial Baths) as part of a large palace district. The complex was conceived as an imperial gift of a bathing facility to the population, but after a halt in construction in the 4th century it was redesigned and probably used as barracks – it seems that bathing never took place here.
In the following centuries the ruins served as a castle, as part of the city wall and as a monastery. Archaeological excavations began in the 19th century; in 1984 some windows of the apse were reconstructed. Since 1986 the Kaiserthermen, together with Trier’s other Roman monuments, have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Today the above-ground walls and the extensive network of underground service tunnels are accessible. A viewing tower offers a view over the former palace district, and in the entrance area a film animation and several stations explain Trier’s development into an imperial residence and the eventful history of the building. The site belongs to the “Zentrum der Antike” of the Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz; ongoing investigations and conservation work are meant to clarify how far the fittings and technology of the baths were ever completed.
Highlights
- Underground service tunnels of the late-antique bath
- Viewing tower with a view over the imperial palace district
- Film animation on Trier’s development into an imperial residence
- Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Roman Monuments in Trier
- Multimedia guide in four languages
Permanent exhibition
- Kaiserthermen – Ausstellungsbereich und Bedienungsgänge – Film animation and stations on the imperial residence of Trier and the building history of the baths; also a tour through the underground tunnels and across the ruins.
- Operated by
- Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz (GDKE)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Pupils over 18, students, trainees, volunteers in a voluntary social year (FSJ), pensioners, unemployed people, people with severe disabilities (each with proof) |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children and young people aged 6 to 17 |
| Seniors | €5Discount for pensioners |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5People with severe disabilities with proof |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personChildren and young people in groups €3 per person; group tickets only together via one responsible person |
| Families | €6Family ticket 1: one adult with up to four children aged 6 and over |
| Family ticket 2 (2 adults, up to 4 children aged 6 and over) | €12 |
Admission is included in the Antikencard.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Entrance and exhibition area are step-free; the outdoor grounds, above and below ground, are reached via steps and in places ramps. The viewing tower has a lift. Accessible toilet on the ground floor; two disabled parking spaces in the nearby Wechselstraße. A short report according to “Reisen für Alle” is available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €6 · Family ticket 1: one adult with up to four children aged 6 and over |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Puzzle booklet “Reisepass ins römische Trier” (Passport to Roman Trier) for families (from 2nd grade, included in admission, also available in English); the children’s city tour ends underground in the Kaiserthermen.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kaiserthermen
From Trier main station by bus 2 (towards Treverer Str./Heiligkreuz) or 30 (towards Ruwerstraße/Pluwig); the stop is also served by lines 6, 7, 8 and 16.
By car
Parking available · 300 m to the entrance
Parking behind the “Bad an den Kaiserthermen” on Gerberstraße (300 m), on Rahnenstraße (400 m), at the Palastgarten (450 m), at Konstantinplatz (600 m) and the Basilika underground car park, Mustorstraße (600 m). Coach park Kaiserthermen with 20 paid spaces (50 m).
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN, FR, NL) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for private purposes is allowed; professional photography only with written permission. Drone flights are prohibited. |
| Good to know | Multimedia guide free of charge via the website. Guided tours on Roman buildings and bathing culture can be booked for groups and schools through the Zentrum der Antike. Dogs on a lead only in the outdoor area. |
