Photos

Today’s ruins of the Emperor's Baths (Kaiserthermen) in Tier are the remnants of construction which was probably started around 300 AD under Emperor Constantine. Its construction was probably never finished, and are modest compared with the original, vast complex that once stood here. Construction had been interrupted around 312 due to the lack of funds as Constantine focused his political interests on the Mediterranean. When construction resumed, the baths were converted to barracks for the mounted imperial bodyguards, with 800-1000 soldiers plus their horses. The caldarium (warm bath) building became the drill hall/flag sanctuary. In the Middle Ages, it was converted into a castle, "Alderburg." Finally, around 1120, it was incorporated as a corner bastion of the new medieval city wall.

Today from materials excavated, the South Apses wall has been reconstructed to some extent, and nowadays serves as background for an outdoor theatre festival. It extends 855 feet east to west, and 477 feet from north to south, and is one of the largest monumental ruins from the world of antiquity. What you can see is three stories above ground, but there are another two stories below. In almost no other complex is it possible to visit such a complicated subterranean passage system.

At these baths, prominent Romans would have relaxed and entertained. The partly preserved, partly rebuilt brick work of the large apse in the picture was once part of the hot-water bathing room. In less repair are other bathing rooms, as well as a cold-water baths, a sauna and a massage room. This structure is the second largest bath in Trier, next to the Barbarathermen, and the fifth largest in the Roman Empire. /from www.virtualtourist.com/

Click on map function then zoom in to get a satellite photo of the baths and their surroundings.