The Baths of Diocletian in Rome is a huge complex for water treatments. The Baths of Diocletian in Rome - a huge complex for water treatments The Baths of Diocletian Our Lady of the Sign

Unfortunately, only ruins remain of many ancient sights of the capital of Italy, but even what has survived and been restored amazes tourists with its scale. The Baths of Diocletian are the name of the ancient Roman public baths. This is a whole complex of structures that have never been equal in size and technical equipment in the empire.

The history of the creation of the Baths of Diocletian in Rome

By order of Emperor Diocletian, the construction of baths in " eternal city"began in 298. Seven years later, the complex was completely finished and consecrated in honor of Caesar. The structures were located on a huge territory of 13 hectares and could simultaneously accommodate about three thousand visitors. The Roman Baths of Diocletian included three thousand baths and three large pools, the water of which was supplied from underground aqueducts.

It was no less luxurious interior decoration complex:

• unique mosaic floors;
• marble cladding;
• babbling fountains;
• statues of gods.

Termi Diocleziano was a favorite holiday destination for the Romans. They performed not only the functions of baths, but also served as cozy place for communication, a hotbed of social and cultural life Rome. Entry was allowed to all free citizens. On the territory of Diocletian's baths, fountains, marble sculptures were built, and gardens with pavilions were laid out. There were also meeting rooms, a library, an amphitheater and a gymnasium.

The legend says that the Baths of Diocletian in Rome were built by Christians condemned to death and the construction of the complex took 10 years. During the Roman Empire, baths were open to men, women and children. The Romans came to the complex to relax, relax, chat with each other or take a walk. More active townspeople visited the Baths of Diocletian to play sports games and engage in wrestling.

The baths had several rooms for various types procedures:

• taking cold baths in a cool room (frigidarium);
• hot, like modern saunas;
• warm, to preheat the body.

In the mid-16th century, the Goths destroyed the Roman aqueduct, and the Baths of Diocletian fell into disrepair. Over time, the complex began to deteriorate, until in 1563, by order of Pontiff Pius IV, the famous Michelangelo transformed the structure. The cozy monastery courtyard, designed by the architect, now houses more than 400 exhibits from the times of imperial Rome and many ancient sculptures.

Baths of Diocletian at present

At the end of the 19th century, part of the complex was reconstructed. Currently, this part of the Baths of Diocletian houses the National Museum of Rome. Its archaeological heritage is considered one of the richest in the entire world and consists of finds found in the baths, as well as various collections of Roman and Greek art. On the territory of the baths, Michelangelo harmoniously placed the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in the Renaissance style.

The Palazzo Altemps, in addition to the Baths of Diocletian, is one of the main objects of the National Museum of Rome. There are 104 sculptures from the ancient era, collections belonging to Cardinals Ludovisi, Altemps and the Princes of Mattei. The palace was built according to a design by Melozzo da Forli in the 15th century on the Campus Martius near Piazza Navona.

Another remarkable palace was erected by the architect Camilo Pistrucci in 1883-1887. On the ground floor there is a numismatic collection, on the other three there are antique paintings, sculptures and mosaics. Particularly memorable are the frescoes with painted birds, trees and flowers from the winter triclinium, which previously decorated the villa of Augustus’s wife, Livia. The pride of the national museum is considered to be works from the Villa Farnesina and sarcophagi. “Gal Ludovisi” is also a must-see at the Baths of Diocletian in Rome. This is a marble copy of a large triumphal monument, showing the scene of Gall killing his wife. The sculpture is filled with expression and is made with complete detail of what is happening.

How to get to the Baths of Diocletian

The complex is located on Via Enrico de Nicola (Enrico De Nicola). Most convenient way to get to the Baths of Diocletian - use the metro. You should get off at one of the stations - Termini or Republic (Repubblica), and then walk a few hundred meters. Another option to get to the ancient Roman baths is to take a bus (there are several routes) to the Cernaia stop.

Tourists can visit the Baths of Diocletian in Rome on any day except Monday. Opening hours from 9.00 to 19.45. Please note that the ticket office closes half an hour before the complex closes. Not far from the ancient Roman baths is the Baroque church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, which will also be attractive to tourists.

Baths of Diocletian

The Baths gave their name to Diocletian's windows

Baths of Diocletian- ruins of ancient Roman baths near the modern Republic Square in Rome.

Construction of the thermal baths began in the year. In the year they were consecrated in honor of Diocletian. Baths with an area of ​​more than 13 hectares. built according to a plan similar to the baths of Caracalla and Trajan. The buildings could accommodate up to 3 thousand people, the gardens were decorated with fountains and pavilions, and there was also a library and halls for meetings and sports exercises on the territory.

Baths of Diocletian in modern form this is the Republic Square (gardens), on the site of the central hall the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was erected, some rooms are occupied by the National Roman Museum ( Museo Nazionale Romano, c.) with a collection of Roman and Greek art, one of the round halls was rebuilt into the Church of San Bernardo alle Terme, part of another hall is located between Viminale and Piazza dei Cinquecento.

Links

Literature

• Heinz-Joachim Fischer: Rom. Zweieinhalb Jahrtausende Geschichte, Kunst und Kultur der Ewigen Stadt. DuMont Buchverlag, Köln 2001, ISBN 3-7701-5607-2.

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See what “The Baths of Diocletian” is in other dictionaries:

- (Latin thermae, from the Greek thermуs warm, hot), in Ancient Rome public baths were also public and sports facilities. How the type of buildings developed by the 2nd century. BC e. In addition to hot (caldarium), warm... ... Art encyclopedia

- [terms], term, units. no (Latin thermae from Greek thermos hot) (source). Baths in ancient Rome. Baths of Diocletian. “In the nearby baths, I let my body be thoroughly anointed.” Bryusov. Dictionary Ushakova. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

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Thermal Baths- in Dr. Rome society. baths, which also sports, society. cultural and will amuse you. establishment T. played the role of clubs where concentration. society life and where the citizens of Rome spent it means. of the time. Arose in the 2nd century. BC. (Stabian T... Ancient world. encyclopedic Dictionary

- (thermae, Jermai) the ancient Romans initially had natural sources of warm and hot water, as well as simple cold and warm baths (balineae, balneae), apparently maintained by private individuals, later, in the era of emperors, extensive... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Antique. The Knossos Palace on Crete, dating back to the Bronze Age (1st half of the 2nd millennium BC), had portable clay footbaths or seated baths, as well as at least one stone basin for washing the feet of travelers. Big... ... Collier's Encyclopedia

- (thermae, θέρμαι) among the ancient Romans there were initially natural sources of warm and hot water, as well as simple cold and warm baths (balineae, balneae), apparently maintained by private individuals, later, in the era of emperors, extensive ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

Thermal Baths- (from the Greek thermos warm, hot) ancient baths in classical Greece with big houses and gymnasiums; during the Hellenistic period they were used by the entire population of the city. In Rome, cities arose according to the Greek model and became centers of public life: here ... Ancient world. Dictionary-reference book.

Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano)

Ancient Rome is a mysterious and surprisingly developed world. From a technical point of view, in his time he had no equal. Take, for example, the thermal baths, which were supplied with water through underground aqueducts (water pipelines). These were not just baths, but entire complexes. One of them is the Baths of Diocletian.

Historical reference

The construction of the baths began in 298. In 303, they already rose in all their glory and were consecrated, receiving the name in honor of Diocletian. The structure was so huge that it could accommodate 3,000 people at the same time.

During the invasion of the Vandals and Goths, the Baths of Diocletian continued to partially function. But in 537, the invaders destroyed the aqueduct that supplied water to the baths, and devastation befell them. In 1566, by order of the Pope, the baths began to be restored. Michelangelo took part in the work. He turned the central hall into the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

But then a whole period of desolation followed again. So baths gradually became a source of cheap material for the construction of other structures. The Baths of Diocletian suffered the most in the period from 1586 to 1589, when the villa was being built for Pope Sixtus the Fifth.

In 1889, part of the Baths of Diocletian was turned into a museum. And at the beginning of the 20th century, the Roman authorities decided to finally make these baths a monument ancient architecture and history. Today it houses the National Roman Museum.

Curious facts

The Baths of Diocletian had beautiful gardens. They were decorated with pavilions and fountains. The complex also included a gymnasium, meeting rooms, a library, a steam room, recreation rooms, rooms with cold baths, a swimming pool, and an amphitheater. All this had a very rich decoration.

Modern excavations have established that the baths were not built from scratch - before that, there were even more ancient buildings there, which were demolished. Water entered the Baths of Diocletian through one of the branches of the Marcius Aqueduct.

Architectural features

These baths are an example of ancient architecture. They occupied a fairly large area, covering over 13 hectares. The construction was based on the design of two previous baths - those of the emperors Trajan and Caracalla.

What can you see?

Today you can see the ruins of the main building from Republic Street. One of the asps has been preserved as the entrance to the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which Michelangelo converted from the central hall of the baths. Another part became the National Roman Museum. People simply call it the Thermal Baths Museum.

Several round halls (presumably 1-2) were rebuilt in the Basilica of San Bernardo alle Terme. A fragment of another similar room can be seen between Via Viminale and Piazza Cinquecento. There are also unused parts of the Baths of Diocletian in the form of ruins. They are located a few streets away from the National Roman Museum, which houses such masterpieces as:

• strong fighter;
• Throne of Ludovisi;
• Gallus killing his wife;
• Discus thrower, etc.

Helpful information

How to get to the thermal baths? By metro – to the Republic station (Repubblica), then – 5 minutes on foot; to Termini station, and then 10 minutes on foot.

Visiting time: daily - 9:00-19:45, except Monday (this is a day off). The ticket office closes at 19:15.

Entrance ticket price: full adult – 7 euros.

Address: Rome, Via Enrico de Nicola, building 79.

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The Romans were specialists not only in military affairs and art. Built in the 3rd century AD, the Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano) were truly the crowning achievement of engineering at that time. The technical equipment of the baths was far ahead of its time. In terms of convenience and quality of execution, the thermal baths can compete with modern SPA complexes of our time. The baths owe their name to the Roman emperor Gaius Aurelius Diocletian, the same one who, at the end of his reign, abdicated power and retired to his small homeland to grow cabbage.

The territory allocated for construction was 30 hectares. At the same time, in the baths they could take water procedures over three thousand people for whom individual baths were installed and public steam rooms were equipped. Three large swimming pools have also been built for visitors. Water was supplied to the baths and pools directly through a complex water supply system connected to the branch of the Marcius Aqueduct.

The townspeople (and entry was allowed to all free citizens) not only washed themselves, but also spent time culturally in gardens with sculptures, attended performances in the amphitheater, read books in the library and did physical exercises in the gym.

Unfortunately, by the 7th century, the Baths of Diocletian fell into disrepair and were gradually destroyed. In the mid-16th century, the great sculptor and architect Michelangelo built a new Renaissance-style bathhouse and monastery on the remains of the bathhouse.

The healing properties of Therm

Swimming in warm water, rich in mineral salts, has been considered a healing activity since ancient times. Hydrotherapy in thermal springs, according to Hippocrates, had a positive effect on a person’s general physical condition. Roman baths gained particular value due to the supply of water of varying temperatures to the baths. In an amazing way, the water was heated by the sun's rays, while the water in the shaded areas remained cool. Roman doctors noted the special chemical and physical properties of water from springs, which had a beneficial effect on the health of the Romans.

Grandiose Baths today

Today the Baths of Diocletian are an interesting architectural monument, divided into three parts surrounded by the gardens of Republic Square.

Part of the territory was given over to the main exhibition of the National Roman Museum, or the Museum of Baths. The museum's exposition includes the walls of the baths themselves, ancient sculptures (including the creations of Michelangelo himself) and other objects from life ancient Rome. Another part of the Baths of Diocletian was rebuilt into the Basilica of San Bernardo alle Terme. The remaining buildings were left in ruins. modern tourists, visiting Rome, to study and admire.

Directions and visiting conditions

The baths are located on Enrico De Nicola street (Via Enrico de Nicola) at number 79. The best way to get to the baths and the museum - use the Roman metro. You need to get off at Repubblica or Termini stations, then follow the signs and walk a few hundred meters. Another way to get there: buses No. 82, 61, 62, 60, 492 to the Cernaia stop.

Entrance for foreigners is paid, tickets are sold at the box office. The cost of visiting the thermal baths is 8.5-12 euros, depending on the number of attractions to see. For a maximum cost of 12 euros, tourists get the opportunity to explore the Baths in full over several days. Visits for tourists are allowed on all days except Monday, from 9:00 to 19:45, ticket offices close half an hour before the end of work.

Not far from the baths there is a church built in the Baroque style.

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The ruins of ancient Roman baths - the Baths of Diocletian - were erected in the distant years 298-305 AD. IN modern Rome these ancient baths belong to. In addition to the baths, the museum includes three more objects, located separately: , Balbi crypt and.

History of the Baths of Diocletian

The Roman emperor Gaius Diocletian wanted to build the largest baths, which no others could compare with. This is how the baths appeared total area which, together with the gardens, occupied about 13 hectares.

Since 537, after the destruction of the aqueduct by the Ostrogothic king Vitiges, the baths no longer functioned as intended.

In 1563, on behalf of Emperor Pius IV, Michelangelo carried out a large-scale reconstruction of the Diocletian Baths. So the caldarium term was reincarnated into a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, angels and martyrs. The building of the Carthusian monastery was built. Thanks to such diligent reconstruction, these ancient Roman baths have survived to this day much better than others.

The Baths of Diocletian could simultaneously accommodate up to 3 thousand people. Very extensive gardens were decorated with fountains and pavilions. On the territory there were halls for holding meetings and sports exercises, and there was a library.

Museum at the Baths of Diocletian

Since 1889, the baths have housed a collection of Roman and Greek art. Overall, there is a lot to see and admire.

In the Baths Museum you will see not only Michelangelo’s masterpieces brought to life in the church and monastery, but also ancient statues, sarcophagi, reliefs, altars, tombs and much more.

How to get there

The Baths of Diocletian in Rome are located next to the Republic Square. Opposite Rome's main train station, Termini.

Working hours: The thermal baths museum can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 19:30. The ticket price is 7 euros. Persons from 18 to 25 years old – 3.5 euros. On the first Sunday of every month, admission is free for visitors under 18 years of age. The ticket price includes visits to other sites National Museum Rome. The ticket is valid for 3 days.