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© jacqueslanciault
© jacqueslanciault
Thermes de Constantin, Arles
A well preserved Roman Bath complex from the 4th century
These ruins are the best preserved Roman baths in Arles, and date to the early 4th century AD.
The centrepiece of the site is the "caldarium" which had 3 hot pools including one with a large vaulted apse and two rectangular pools at either side, which were heated from below by the hypocaust system.
Several fireplaces were needed to keep these pools at the perfect temperature. A "frigidarium" or cold pool was located nearby.
The baths were used not only for bathing and keeping clean, but were a place to mingle , get fit and enjoy a massage. Both women and men were allowed entry.
The buildings were abandoned at the start of the 6th century AD.
Worth knowing
Constantine's thermal baths were built along the Rhone in the early fourth century, possibly on the site of an older building. They are only one element of a vast monumental complex that stretched north of the city, between the forum and the river banks. At the time of their construction, the city, after a period of turmoil, found a prime spot, due to its increased political and administrative role. Emperor Constantine made the city one of his imperial residences. Then came the arrival of the Visigoths, followed by a succession of other barbarian invasions. It seems that the baths retained their duties some time after the fall of the Roman empire.
When to come
The baths are open every day
How to get passes
Entry to the site is covered under the Arles Avantage pass & the Liberté pass, both available from the Tourist Office, which also give access to the other monuments around town including Musée Réattu & the Théatre Antique, which is not to be confused with the Amphitheatre. Price for entry ranges from 2,20 to 4 euros per person.
