Page 201 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

C AR A C ALLA  199

u Baths of
Caracalla
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 52.
Map 9 A3. Tel 06-3996 7700.
@ 160, 628. v 3. q Circo Massimo.
Open 9am–2pm Mon, 9am–approx
1 hour before sunset Tue–Sun (last
adm: 1 hour before closing).
Closed Jan 1, Dec 25. & 9 = 7
Completed by Emperor Caracalla
in AD 217, the baths functioned
for about 300 years, until the
plumbing was destroyed by
invading Goths. Over 1,600 Part of one of the gymnasia in the Baths of Caracalla
bathers at a time could enjoy the
amenities. A Roman bath was a into the natatio, an outdoor the interior of Palazzo Farnese
serious business, beginning with swimming pool. For the rich, this (see p149). Outdoor opera
a sort of Turkish bath, followed was followed by a rub down with performances, mostly Verdi or
by a spell in the caldarium, a a scented woolen cloth. As well Puccini, are presented in these
large hot room with as the baths, there were settings in the summer months
pools of water to spaces for exercise, and are very popular.
provide humidity. libraries, art galleries,
Then came the luke- and gardens – a true Key
warm tepidarium, a leisure center. Most Caldarium (very hot)
visit to the large of the rich marble Tepidarium (lukewarm)
central meeting decorations were Frigidarium (cold)
place known as removed by the
the frigidarium, Fragment of mosaic Farnese family in the Natatio (pool)
and finally a plunge pavement 16th century to adorn Garden

Greek and Latin
libraries
Conference and
meeting rooms Water tanks
Stadium

Original Gymnasium
front
entrance
Changing Conference and
rooms meeting room
Storage room for oils
Gymnasia and perfumes

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