THERMAL BATH OF CARACALLA

Let one of our art historian guide to lead you through the ancient Roman bath. For the romans, it was essential to be able to frequent the set of buildings used for public baths.

It was not only a place where they could treat their bodies with water, alternating between hot and cold baths, but it was also a place where they could benefit from beauty treatments and exercise their bodies, and ultimately it was a meeting place for new acquaintances or to engage in political intrigue.

One of the most popular areas to reside in imperial times besides the Palatine Hill was the Caelian Hill, which is the reason why Emperor Caracalla decided to build the great thermae there.

Today we still find the ruins of what were once majestic thermal that could accommodate up to 1600 people. The baths functioned for about 300 years until the invasion of the Goths interrupted their operation. The Goths partially destroyed the aqueduct that supplied them. 

Along Caracalla street, now a busy street for Roman citizens who can still enjoy the view of the ruins of the baths, you could once find market stalls selling everything; scented soaps, perfumed woollen cloths, oils. The wealthy could in fact enjoy a nice massage with scented cloths. 

The baths were a true place of refreshment for body and mind where Romans also gathered to strengthen their social relationships. 

ROMAN MUSEUM OF THE ROMAN WALL

Being inside the Aurelian Walls, having the chance to admire the structure of the walls, accompanied by an art exhibition is a special experience that will make you better understand the greatness of the Romans and how a people of simple shepherds managed to evolve into a strong and lasting empire.

The Aurelian Wall whose construction was initiated by Emperor Aurelian and completed by his successor Probus. Aurelian ordered its construction to protect the city from the increasingly threatening Germanic incursions. 

The Museum of the Walls is located at Porta San Sebastiano, one of the best preserved in the city. Passing through it is possible to  reach the first mile of the Appian Way, marked by an ancient column. Here there is the area of the pagan necropolis and the christian catacombs.

Continuing along the Appian Way, one reaches the church of Domine quo vadis. It takes its name from an episode according to which the meeting between Peter, while fleeing from Rome to escape Nero’s persecutions, and Jesus, according to the Acts of Peter, took place here. 

To learn more, come on a tour with us and discover the story told.