Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian are an ancient bathing facility in Municipio I, Rome, spreading across 13 hectares with several chambers that still show their vaulted ceilings. A large open area called the natatio once served as an outdoor swimming pool.

Emperor Maximian commissioned the complex between 298 and 306 AD to accommodate roughly 3000 bathers at once. Michelangelo later converted parts of the structure into a church, blending Roman walls with Renaissance elements.

The original name honors Emperor Diocletian, who opened the complex after his co-ruler ordered its construction. Today the remains house a museum that walks visitors through the development of Latin script, showing how Romans recorded their language in stone.

The site sits near Termini Station and combines the ruins with the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which shares the same space. Guided tours run during the day and help identify the different building phases.

Some of the massive granite columns came from Egypt and were shipped across the Mediterranean to decorate the building. The columns still stand today, showing the reach of Roman trade at the start of the fourth century.