Terme di Caracalla

About the museum

The Terme di Caracalla, also known as Thermae Antoninianae, were built by the emperor Caracalla, son of Septimius Severus; the central building was inaugurated in AD 216. The complex followed the layout of the great imperial baths and combined bathing with sports, leisure, promenading and study.

Along the central axis came the calidarium, tepidarium, frigidarium and natatio, flanked by two gymnasia and symmetrically arranged changing rooms. The perimeter included cisterns, two libraries, large exedrae, shops (tabernae) and the main entrances. Some of the surviving structures reach a height of 36 metres.

Beneath the baths extends a network of about two kilometres of vaulted service galleries, where the workers for the furnaces, boilers and water system worked. There are also a mill, timber stores and a mithraeum with a fossa sanguinis. The area also includes the Domus di Vigna Guidi, a dwelling from the Hadrianic period that predates the baths, whose restored frescoes, visible again since 2022, depict Egyptian deities alongside Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. In front of the site stands the work “Terzo Paradiso” by Michelangelo Pistoletto, created in 2012 with 109 finds from the baths. Since 2024 a water mirror with light effects has evoked the natatio.

Highlights

• Calidarium, tepidarium, frigidarium and natatio along the central axis
• Underground service galleries with a mithraeum and fossa sanguinis
• Domus di Vigna Guidi with frescoes of Egyptian and Roman deities
• Water mirror with light effects over the natatio (since 2024)
• Work “Terzo Paradiso” by Michelangelo Pistoletto

Permanent exhibition

• Domus di Vigna Guidi – Hadrianic dwelling predating the baths, with restored frescoes that juxtapose Egyptian and Roman deities; included in the ticket.

Founded

216

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura (Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma)

Visitors per year

approx. 259,402

Admission & discounts

The ticket also includes the Domus di Vigna Guidi. During temporary exhibitions a surcharge of €2 applies to the ticket. Free admission for ICOM members and other categories provided for by law. Booking is not mandatory. Tickets can be bought on the portal and in the Musei Italiani app, without advance-sale fees, or at the totems at the entrance, which accept electronic cards only.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The monument at surface level has no changes of level and is easy to reach. Along the route there are tactile information panels for visitors with visual impairments. Visitors with mobility disabilities who arrive by car may park in the area in front of the entrance. A disability assistance service is indicated.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.