National Roman Museum, Baths of Diocletian

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The complex was constructed by enslaved laborers, primarily Christians, according to historical tradition.

2. 2

   Michelangelo designed the church within the ruins to retain the original massive scale of the Roman caldarium.

3. 3

   The site originally covered over 13 hectares, far exceeding the size of the Baths of Caracalla.

4. 4

   A meridian line was installed in the floor of the basilica in 1702 by Francesco Bianchini to serve as a precise astronomical observatory.

5. 5

   The museum houses the 'Ludovisi Throne,' a significant piece of ancient Greek relief sculpture.

6. 6

   The octagonal hall, or Aula Ottagona, survived centuries of neglect due to its partial conversion into a grain storage and later a planetarium.

Overview

The Baths of Diocletian represent the largest public bathing complex of ancient Rome, commissioned by Emperor Diocletian and completed in 306 AD. The site currently serves as the headquarters of the National Roman Museum. The complex incorporates the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a structure repurposed from the original central hall by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Visitors can explore the ancient Aula Ottagona, which once functioned as a frigidarium and now houses exhibits of imperial statuary. The outdoor courtyards feature an extensive collection of ancient epigraphic inscriptions and funerary monuments. The site displays significant artifacts from the protohistoric period, including findings from the necropolises of the Lazio region. Ongoing archaeological research at the site continues to reveal the structural evolution of the Roman thermal system.

Insider tips

• Combine your visit with the other branches of the National Roman Museum, as tickets are often bundled.

• Spend extra time in the cloister courtyard, which is often less crowded than the main interior halls.

• Verify if any temporary exhibitions are hosted in the octagonal hall, as these require specific entry.