Things to do in Arles – Visit the Baths of Constantine

 

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One of three Roman spas discovered in Arles, the Thermes de Constantin (Baths of Constantine) is an interesting and historic site.  Note:  though the baths are open to the public (entrance fee applies), a fair amount is also visible from the street (for free).

Apse Exterior Baths of Constantine Arles France

This brick and limestone complex dates to the 4th century AD, and was believed to have been part of the Empirical Palace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.  The section you’ll see during your visit is just a fraction (only about a third) of what was once a vast structure measuring over 40,000 square feet. The public baths, a center of the Roman social scene as well as a place for exercise and hygiene, consisted of various sections including the apodyterium (changing room), palaestra (exercise room), frigidarium (cold water pool), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot water pools and saunas).

Marble Floored Thermal Pool Baths of Constantine Arles France

What you’ll see in the Baths of Constantine are the remnants of the caldarium,

Hypocaust Vents Baths of Constantine Arles France

including the hypocaust, a subfloor heating system (the protective tile roof here is a modern addition);

Hypocaust Baths of Constantine Arles France

the arched praefurnium, furnace openings; several pools with marble floors;

Apse and Arched Windows Baths of Constantine Arles France

and a vaulted apse with arched windows.

Apse and Arched Windows Baths of Constantine Arles France

The buildings adjoining the baths have been incorporated into the walls of the frigidarium.

Baths of Constantine Model

A model in the Museum of Ancient Arles shows the full scale of these impressive Roman baths.

View from Outside of Baths of Constantine Arles France

The Thermes de Constanin is listed with other Roman and Romanesque Monuments in Arles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting there:

Thermes de Constantin is located near the Rhone River.  Entrance is via rue du Grand-Prieuré.

Ticket Info:

Adult Admission = 3.00€

Combo Ticket options:

Pass Advantage = 15,00€ (Baths of Constantine + Antique Theater + Amphitheater + Cryptoportico + Alyscamps + Cloister of St. Trophime)

Pass Liberté = 11.00€ (1 museum + 4 monuments of your choice + Reattu Museum/Monument)

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  1. By Things to do in Arles - Visit the Baths of Cons... 22 Dec ’15 at 7:13 pm

  2. By Things to see and do in Arles, France 10 Jan ’16 at 4:47 pm

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