The Imperial Baths

People could spend yours in the 40-degree waters of the caldarium, rewarded with a view of the Petrisberg’s hills. They would be oiled and massaged by slaves, or have cold water poured over them in the cold-water bath as they sat enthroned on marble armchairs. They would indulge in ball games, meet with friends and business partners, relax, laugh and sweat. And of course forget about all their troubles, which would otherwise have cast a shadow over their uninterrupted recreation. So it was that the baths’ staff had to share the underground passageways – down which they would silently scamper from A to B to perform their work – with the dirty water of the pools and toilet facilities.
These passageways can still be seen today, as can the remains of the sewage system and the homes of the wealthy, which had to be demolished to build the baths. The circular imprint of a Roman master builder has even been preserved. Above ground, you can re-enact the typical bathing process which, we must unfortunately admit, no Roman imperial confidant ever performed. Because the large-scale construction project was sadly not finished in its originally planned size.

A must for: Idlers. Subterranean explorers. Engineering enthusiasts. Water rats and wellness fans.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: 100%
Echo: 5% (above ground), 50% (below ground)
Cellar vibe: 50%