The Baths of Caracalla were originally built as Roman public baths between 212 and 216 CE. The extensive ruins of the baths have become a popular tourist attraction. The Caracalla bath complex of buildings was actually more a leisure centre and not just a series of baths. The building was heated by a hypocaust, a system of burning coal that was set underneath the ground to heat water. The water was provided by a dedicated aqueduct and was actually in use up to the 19th century. This is a wonderful place to visit and get a real sense of history.

In the early 20th century, the design of the Baths of Caracalla was used as the inspiration for several modern structures. These structures included Pennsylvania Station in New York City and the National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The ruins there now stand as the backdrop for the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in the summer. The Batch of Caracalla have also become a venue for modern cultural events, such as the gymnastics competition during the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. The baths are open to the public for just a small charge but access is limited to certain areas to avoid damage to the mosaic floors.