Baths of Caracalla

"Built between 212 and 216 AD on Aventino, the small Aventine Hill, the Terme di Caracalla are one of the largest and best-preserved bath complexes from Antiquity. Located close to the Appian Way, they were supplied by the Aqua Antoniniana, a special connection to the almost 100km-long Aqua Marcia, the third aqueduct in Ancient Rome. The rectangular architecture encompassed a caldarium, a tepidarium, a frigidarium, and a natatio, with rooms arranged symmetrically around the gymnasiums. In summer, the Baths of Caracalla host open-air performances of the Teatro dell'Opera, ballets, and concerts, the scenography of which is extraordinary." - The MICHELIN Guide

"The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning." - Katie Parla, Maresa Manara

"Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like?The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the 3rd century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning. What kinds of events can we see here?The program changes every year but the performances include operas, orchestral concerts, and ballets. The Baths are the summer home of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma but the stage welcomes visiting companies and troupes as well. Nice. How are the seats?The seating is made up mostly of risers with decent sight lines. For the most comfortable seats, buy "Poltronissima" tickets located up front. Good for kids?The performances start at 9:00 p.m. and end quite late, so they probably aren't ideal for small children. If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for?If you're into music and architecture, it's hard to imagine a better place in Rome to experience the two." - Katie Parla

"The Baths of Caracalla The Baths of Caracalla, a third-century bathing complex located near the Circus Maximus, was the center of social life for tens of thousands of Romans who would gather there—around 10,000 at a time—to exercise, bathe, and relax. Admission was cheap and anyone could go and enjoy the 90-foot-tall bathing halls with heated floors and pools for dipping. Stroll through the ancient gymnasium, changing rooms, and Olympic-sized swimming pool and imagine what it was like when the marble-paved building was teeming with Romans. In the summertime, the Baths become the dramatic backdrop for the city's Opera season.And now, underground tunnels beneath the historic baths are open, featuring a video art installation by Fabrizio Plessi. This new access reveals the busy hive of underground activity performed by slaves and workers who supplied the material and energy for the baths above, shedding light on the “how tos” of running a massive spa."

Baths built during the time of Marcus Aurelius. It’s a bunch of ruins that still look very impressive, but that’s why it’s worth it to buy the guided tour. It’s a digital tour that activates at different locations around the bath house to provide historical context. There’s also a well to get water!