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The Baths of Caracalla (or Cellomaio): The Thermal Baths of Domitian's Villa
The Baths of Caracalla, also known as Cellomaio, are located in Albano Laziale, in the Cecchina area, along Via delle Colonnelle. The complex dates back to the 1st century AD, and was part of Domitian's Villa, an imperial residence extending over 100 hectares between Albano and Castel Gandolfo. The baths served the emperor, his court and the soldiers of the Legio II Parthica (Parthian-conquering Second Legion) encamped nearby. The name "Cellomaio" derives from "cella maior" (large hall), referencing the size of the thermal rooms.
What can be seen today
The ruins preserve the main halls - calidarium, tepidarium and frigidarium - arranged according to the canonical layout of Roman baths. The walls are in opus latericium, red bricks typical of the Flavian and Trajanic periods. Still recognisable are the niches for statues, the remains of the hypocaust heating system beneath the floors, and sections of collapsed vaults. In some areas traces of polychrome mosaics and marble cladding survive.
Visiting and Archaeological Context
The area is fenced off, and can be viewed from outside. It is not always open for visits. The baths are part of the larger complex of Domitian's Villa, which also includes the Doric Nymphaeum, the Cisterns, the Theatre and the Severan Amphitheatre, all within the territory of Albano. The ruins are located 300 metres from Cecchina railway station, on the Rome-Albano line. In the surrounding area there are stretches of Roman paved road and remains of imperial residential buildings.
