Forum Baths

Trier, Germany

The Forum Baths are a ruin of a Roman bath complex in Augusta Treverorum, modern-day Trier. The site was converted in the 4th century CE from some older buildings, dated to around the 2nd century CE. The structure encompassed 8364 m2 The bath house utilized the passive heating of the sun, like many Roman baths, and oriented the caldarium and tepidarium to the south, and the frigidarium to the north.

Along with the other bathhouses, the Forum Baths remained in use through the end of the fourth century. But the complex fell out of use during the early fifth century as Trier was repeatedly sacked during the Migration Period.

In the 13th century, the remains of the bath began being used as a quarry for local buildings. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Capuchin Order built some of the buildings for their monastery over the eastern part of the bathhouse. In 1802, the monastery was dissolved and nine years later, in 1811, the garden was transformed into a cattle market (German: Viehmarkt), from which the ruins get their name.

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Marker
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Address

Viehmarktplatz 5, Trier, Germany
See all sites in Trier

Details

Founded: 2nd century AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Germany
Historical period: Germanic Tribes (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Duncan Automatic Stop (5 months ago)
Thanks for protecting such an important place. Very well to put a building upon this to preserve.
David Douglass (10 months ago)
Far below street level with multilingual interpretive signage in a unique surrounding, really worth a visit!
Justin Jones (The Running Fool) (2 years ago)
I can appreciate how this exhibit has been enclosed in a climate controlled environment; preserving the ruins.
Allison Flanary (2 years ago)
There's no sign indicating that this is an underground museum; you just gotta happen upon the unmarked entrance. Once you're inside, it's an incredible view of an archaeological site from the Roman era. However, I feel like elements such as more clear signs and detailed exhibits would really make this place a draw. As it is, the Roman baths down the road are more interesting.
Sreeram Sadasivam (3 years ago)
I would recommend not go inside. The architectural design will cook you and suffocate you from inside. The glass covering used to protect the baths will act as a convection oven for anyone inside. As for the baths itself, there is much to see for the money you pay. Most of it could be seen from the outside of the glass building without paying a single penny. We had to leave before completing the while tour since my girlfriend started suffocating.
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