A part of the underground network of tunnels beneath the Baths of Caracalla is now open to the public for the first time. The galleries date back to the third century AD and also contain one of the largest temples in the Roman empire for the worship of the Persian god Mithra. The Mithraeum has recently been restored at the cost of about €360,000.

About 45 previously unseen marble works are also on display in two of the underground galleries now open to the public.

The sophisticated heating system and the boilers to heat the water for the huge baths were located in these underground galleries.

The baths were named after Caracalla, emperor from 198-217 AD, who was notorious for numerous massacres throughout the empire but also for granting Roman citizenship to all freemen living in the Roman provinces.

Tues-Sun 09.00 to one hour before sundown. Mon 08.30-13.00. Closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan.

For booking and guided tours.