Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla were Roman public baths, or thermae, built in Rome between 212 and 216 CE, during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla. The extensive ruins of the baths have become a popular tourist attraction.

The Caracalla bath complex of buildings was more a leisure centre than just a series of baths. The "baths" were the second to have a public library within the complex. Like other public libraries in Rome, there were two separate and equal sized rooms or buildings; one for Greek language texts and one for Latin language texts.

In the early 20th century, the design of the baths was used as the inspiration for the design of Pennsylvania Station in New York City by the architect Charles McKim.

• Baths of Caracalla Virtual 360° panorama and photos.