Terme di Diocleziano, Rome, Rome Overview

Also known as the Baths of Diocletian, Terme di Diocleziano is the ancient public baths of Rome. It was named after Emperor Diocletian who ruled Rome in the late-2nd century and early-3rd century. It was built in honour of the Emperor and commissioned by Maximian. These baths are considered the largest baths of ancient Rome. A visit to this historical attraction is included in most tour packages of Rome and it can be covered along with the National Roman Museum that the baths are a part of.

Terme di Diocleziano was built in the 3rd and the 4th century on the smallest of the Hills in the city (the Viminal Hill). Back in the time, the baths occupied over 12 hectares of space on the hilltop and were visited by locals living nearby. What remains today are the ruins of Terme di Diocleziano next to and underneath Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli.

How to Reach Baths of Diocletian

Terme di Diocleziano is located near the National Roman Museum in the Central region of the city. Buses, taxis, metros, trams and railways are easily available from any part of Rome to reach the attraction. Tourists need to take the route via Piazza della Repubblica - Via Giuseppe Romita - Via Cernaia - Via Volturno - Viale Enrico de Nicola.

The closest railway junction is the Roma Termini Railway Station, situated just 500 metres away from the attraction. Metro line A and B have stops near Terme di Diocleziano. Also, several bus lines run through the regions near the attraction. From the drop points, people can easily walk to the attraction.

History of Terme di Diocleziano

Terme di Diocleziano was built after the return of Maximian from Africa in 298 AD. The project was undertaken to pay tribute to Emperor Diocletian but it continued to be built even after the Emperor abdicated the throne due to poor health conditions. Water to these baths was supplied by one of the longest aqueducts in the city (Aqua Marcia). The baths were operational until 537 AD. People stopped using it after the water supply was cut by the older Goths during the siege of Rome.

In the mid-16th century, a Basilica was built on the ruins of the Terme di Diocleziano to pay tribute to the people who died while building the baths. Some halls were also used to store grains and oil. The church was designed by Michelangelo and is also considered a famous tourist attraction in the city.