Baths of Diocletian

Built in 305 AD under the order of Emperor Diocletian, the Baths of Diocletian, with a capacity of over 3,000 people (twice as many as the Baths of Caracalla) were the largest bath complex in Ancient Rome.

Baths of Diocletian

Baths of Diocletian Exhibition

Baths of Diocletian, Cloister built by Michelangelo

16th century cloister built by Michelangelo

Construction of the baths

Construction of the baths began in 298 and finished in 305. The baths were built using a structure similar to that of Caracalla: bricks coated in marble and decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The complex occupied a 13-hectare plot of land and included a gymnasium, library, and cold, hot and tepid baths.

Due to the deaths of thousands of Christians that worked on the construction of the baths as slaves, Diocletian was tried and forced to abdicate.

The complex remained in service until 547, when it was closed due to the fact that the Barbarian peoples cut off the water supply to the city.

In 1561, Pope Pius IV ordered Michelangelo to build the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in an area of the baths to honour the Christians who died there.

National Museum of Rome

After 30 years of restoration, the 10th Hall of the Baths of Diocletian opened to the public in 2008 and became part of the National Museum of Rome. At present one of the few remaining parts of the remarkable structure can be visited; it demonstrates the considerable height that the building used to have.

The interior presents an imposing funeral structure and two tombs decorated with frescoes and stucco that are believed to date from the early second century AD.

In the uncovered part of the baths, it’s possible to walk through a cloister garden where nearly 400 works of art, including statues, sarcophagi and reliefs, are on display.

Few remains but of significant interest

It’s interesting to visit what remains of the impressive structure occupied by the Baths of Diocletian while admiring the remains of perfectly preserved ancient cemeteries.

It’s possible to grasp the great size of the old building by visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, located next to the National Museum of Rome on the Piazza della Repubblica.

Hours

Monday through Sunday: 9am to 19.45pm.

Admission

Adult: 7€.
UE citizens (18-24): €3.50.
Includes: Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Balbi Crypt, Baths of Diocletian.

Transport

Metro: Termini, line A y B.
Bus: lines C2, H, 36, 38, 40, 64, 86, 90, 92, 105, 170, 175, 217, 310, 360, 714 and 910.

Map

Closest attractions

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (0.14 miles)
Piazza della Repubblica (0.15 miles)
Roma Termini Railway Station (0.22 miles)
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (0.37 miles)
Palazzo Barberini (0.47 miles)

Hotels nearby

Cressy
(0.08 miles)
Hotel Fiamma
(0.04 miles)
Hotel Diocleziano
(0.05 miles)
Volturno House
(0.08 miles)