Baths of Agrippa

Built between 25 and 19 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus, these baths were the first public baths in the city. Located in the heart of the Campus Martius, the baths were part of a large redevelopment project for the area that included the construction of other monumental complexes. Agrippa’s baths, fed by the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, were a place of leisure and socialization for Roman citizens. The complex had various rooms typical of Roman baths: caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium, as well as spaces dedicated to physical activity and reading. The most iconic structure of the baths was a large circular hall, known today as “the Donut,” which had a diameter of over 25 meters and a dome roof with a central oculus, similar to that of the Pantheon, another work associated with Agrippa.The construction of the baths not only improved the quality of life for Romans, but was also an example of Roman engineering skill. The dome of the large hall, built in concrete with brick reinforcement ribs, was a masterpiece of architecture. Even today, the brickwork of the Donut is preserved to a height of about 10 meters, partly integrated into the modern structures of the city.Over the centuries, the Baths of Agrippa underwent various restorations, including interventions during the Severan period, which added architectural elements such as double brick arch rings. Despite the damage over time, the baths continued to be used until the 5th century AD. Their strategic location in the Campus Martius made them easily accessible to citizens and visitors, consolidating their central role in the daily life of Rome.One of the distinctive features of the baths was their connection to the gardens of Agrippa, known as the Horti Agrippae. These gardens included an artificial lake and a plantation of plane trees, creating a relaxing natural environment where Romans could walk and rest after bathing. Upon Agrippa’s death in 12 BC, both the baths and the gardens were bequeathed to the Roman people, highlighting Agrippa’s generosity and concern for public welfare.Today, the remains of the Baths of Agrippa are visible among the modern buildings of Via dell’Arco della Ciambella. These archaeological fragments testify to the grandeur and complexity of the original complex, offering visitors a fascinating window into the life and culture of ancient Rome. The circular hall, with its imposing structure, continues to evoke wonder and interest, demonstrating how Roman architectural works have stood the test of time.