No doubts ancient Romans knew how to enjoy life.
The thermae sprung up everywhere in the Roman empire, from sandy African deserts to the snowy Alps, and as far north as England.
The thermae became the pet project for all Roman emperors following Agrippa.Each tried to out-do his predecessor, making his bath more spacious, more splendid, more popular.
Principle baths, named in honor of the emperors who had them built, were:
Nero in 65 AD,
Titus in 81 AD,
Domitian in 95 AD,
Comodus in 185 AD,
Caracalla in 217 AD,
Diocletion in 305 AD,
and Constantine in 315 AD.
Since the water came from the earth, and the products of the Earth are property of people, entrance fees were ridiculously low, if not free.
The Taurine Baths (Terme Taurine)
Located in Civitavecchia you'll find the Archaeological Park of the Taurine Baths (Terme Taurine)These baths were built around naturally hot sulfur (sulphur) spring water.
The site has two parts: The Republican Baths which date back to the 1st century B.C. and The Imperial Baths built by Emperor Hadrian between 123-136 A.D. For approx. 5 euros you can walk around on your own however for only approx. 8 euros you can have a guided tour (English available).
The guided tour is much more informative as you will learn about the building techniques, what archaeologists believe each space was used for, and much more.
Recently the site has added a formal Roman style garden called Horti Traianei (Gardens of Emperor Trajan), which includes many of the plants that the Romans would have recognized.
What's after? The "Ficoncella Baths", of course.
Trust me, after the visit you'll feel like to have a Thermal bath.
No problem!
Just move about 1 Km from there to the Ficoncella Baths and do as the Romans did!
"La Ficoncella" is a small center with thermal baths which still use the flow of sulphurous waters which in ancient times made the Terme Taurine.Today, as in the past, thanks to the highly beneficial properties of these waters that fill the five thermal baths, this location is one of the centers of greatest attraction, and not only for the citizens of Civitavecchia, but also for its numerous visitors, including foreigners.
In fact, the attraction and suggestiveness of the area that surrounds the bath complex, characterized by the hill sides (far away from the city, from the continuous noise of automobiles, smog, in other words, frenetic day to day life), are just some of the important ingredients needed for complete relaxation.
Lastly, as of last year, the municipality has called in a private company to manage the center and the result is a notable improvement, thanks to the continuous maintenance and control of the facilities, its functionality, appearance, as well as hygiene.
Going north on the Via Terme di Traiano, just after the highway turnoff for North Civitavecchia, on the left there is a road that leads to a location called "Ficoncella".
If you plan to go, remember to bring bring your swimsuit and flip-flops in your backpack.
Where is it.
The "Taurine Baths" are located near Civitavecchia.
There are trains from Rome almost every hour to Civitavecchia, and it takes one hour to arrive.
From the station, go to the "Pro Loco Civitavecchia" located in the Port, about 5 minutes walk and from there you can catch a bus direct to the Archaeological site.
Where to eat.
After the baths, the best place where to eat the original ancient romans' pizza is "Pizzeria Le Terme", just 2 minutes from "La Ficoncella":
"Pizzeria Le Terme"
Via Delle Terme Di Traiano, 101
00053 Civitavecchia
Tel.: (+39) 076629892
More about "Terme Taurine":
The guided tour takes about 1.5-2 hours and makes for a leisurely afternoon if you are looking for a short trip. The Baths are closed on Mondays. Current hours for the summer are Tues.-Sun. 9:00am-1:00pm and again 2:30pm-dusk. Winter hours are Tues.-Sun. 9:00am-1:00pm and again 3:00pm-dusk.
http://www.civitavecchiaproloco.it/index.php
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