Thermes de Cluny, Ancient Roman thermal baths in Latin Quarter, France
The Thermes de Cluny are Roman bath ruins dating to the third century, now partially integrated within the Medieval Museum building. The most visible section is the cold bath chamber with its soaring vaulted ceiling and thick original walls, while other areas lie beneath more recent construction.
The baths were built in the third century by the boatmen's guild as a gift to the city and reflect Roman engineering in Lutetia. They fell out of use over time and were gradually buried under later medieval structures until excavations in the 19th century brought them back to light.
The baths reveal how people gathered and socialized while bathing in different temperature zones across connected rooms. Visitors can observe the layout that made this a central meeting place for the community.
You access the ruins through the Medieval Museum, which has multiple entrances and is well served by public transportation. It helps to explore the museum itself to better understand the baths and the surrounding historical context of the site.
The walls display an unusual Roman building technique using alternating layers of stone and brick, rarely seen in this region. This construction method allowed the Romans to create stable structures that could withstand the damp conditions of public bathing facilities.
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