Roman Baths of Ankara

Roman Site in Ankara

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman

Located on a plateau in the Çankırı Kapı area, the Roman Baths of Ankara stand as one of the most fascinating remnants of the city's classical past. Built in the 3rd century AD under Emperor Caracalla, the baths were dedicated to Asclepios, the god of medicine, symbolizing both wellness and community in Roman life. Today, this open-air archaeological site offers visitors a window into ancient daily routines, from bathing rituals to social gatherings, making it one of the top attractions in Ankara for history enthusiasts.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Is the Roman Baths Worth Visiting?
Practical Information
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Constructed during the Roman Empire's golden age, the baths of Ancyra (modern-day Ankara) reflect the city's importance as the provincial capital of Galatia and a key stop along the East-West trade route. Emperor Caracalla commissioned the complex in honor of Asclepios, a testament to the Roman belief in the healing power of water and its social significance.

The site was in use for around five centuries until a devastating fire in the 8th century led to its decline. Excavations between 1937 and 1944 revealed remarkably preserved structures, including the apodyterium (dressing room) and the sequence of bath chambers — frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium — which catered to cold, warm, and hot bathing rituals respectively. The unusually large hot and warm chambers hint at Ankara's cold winters, when residents likely sought warmth and relaxation within these halls.

Things to See and Do

Visitors can wander through the well-preserved remains of the baths, exploring vaulted rooms, arched corridors, and the distinctive brick columns that once supported the heated floors. The ruins vividly illustrate Roman engineering ingenuity — particularly the hypocaust system that allowed warm air to circulate beneath the floors.

The site also features an impressive open-air display of Roman, Byzantine, and late Hellenistic artifacts, including altars, gravestones, and inscriptions. These provide insight into everyday life and the multicultural layers of ancient Ancyra. The elevated location of the baths, overlooking parts of the modern city, adds to the experience — a symbolic bridge between Ankara's imperial past and bustling present.

Is the Roman Baths Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Roman Baths are one of the must-see places in Ankara, especially for travelers who appreciate ancient architecture and archaeology. Their size, preservation, and atmosphere set them apart from other Roman sites in the region. Whether you're a history lover, photographer, or simply curious about Ankara's roots, exploring this open-air museum is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ankara.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €1–2 (small admission charge).
Opening hours: Typically 9:00–17:00; closed on Mondays.
Official website: Not available.
How long to spend: 1–1.5 hours.
Accessibility: Partially accessible; uneven surfaces may pose challenges.
Facilities: Rest areas and information panels on site.
Photography tip: Early morning or sunset light enhances the texture of ancient stonework.
Nearby food options: Small cafés and traditional eateries in the Ulus district.

How to Get There

The Roman Baths are located in the Çankırı Kapı area of Ulus, within walking distance of many other major attractions in central Ankara. The site is approximately 10 minutes on foot from Ulus Metro Station and easily accessible by taxi or city bus. The surrounding streets can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended for those exploring nearby sites on foot.

Nearby Attractions

Just a short walk from the Roman Baths, visitors can explore the Temple of Augustus and Rome, Hacı Bayram Mosque, and Column of Julian, all of which showcase Ankara's layered history from the Roman to the Ottoman era. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is also nearby, offering an exceptional collection of artifacts that provide context to the ruins you'll see at the baths. Together, these landmarks make Ulus one of the best places to visit in Ankara for a deep dive into the city's ancient past.

The Roman Baths of Ankara appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

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