4-hour museum tour
Easy - Accessible
kid-friendly tour
Discover the extraordinary archaeological collection of the National Roman Museum housed in Palazzo Massimo and the Baths of Diocletian.
This ancient Roman bath complex could accommodate 3,000 people and was used for bathing rituals and relaxation that now houses a museum with an important archaeological collection. Over time, the baths fell into ruins but were later repurposed by Michelangelo Buonarroti to create the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs in the 16th century that features a functioning sundial commissioned in 1702.
We will then visit Palazzo Massimo, a museum with a remarkable collection documenting the evolution of Roman artistic culture. It highlights notable pieces such as the statue of Augustus, the Boxer at rest, and unique frescoes and mosaics. The museum also houses a rich numismatic and jewels collection, including the famous Mummy of Grottarossa, as well as the imperial insignia of Emperor Maxentius, a rare find from Ancient Rome. The tour will conclude with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, the last great architectural project from the genius of Michelangelo.
Some of the most representative pictures of this tour
Discover the main stops of this tour
In ancient times, about 3,000 bathers could immerse themselves in the hot or cold water pools, work out in the gymnasiums, dive into the open-air pool or relax in the meeting rooms of the Baths of Diocletian. However, in 1889 the complex became a museum and various archaeological collections were housed here together with finds from the excavations taking place at the time.
In the museum, it is possible to see the natatio, a roofless swimming pool with large overhead bronze mirrors to direct sunlight into the pool area. It would typically be one of the last stops for a bather.
This well-known marble statue standing in the Palazzo Massimo represents Augustus as Pontifex Maximus. The emperor is depicted as a young man with a clean shaven face and few wrinkles; his head is veiled, he wears a toga and extends his arm outward, which indicates that he was performing a sacrifice.
The Ancient Roman painted garden from the Villa of Livia is now on display at the Museo Nazionale Romano di Palazzo Massimo. These magnificent frescoes, in which different species of flora and fauna are depicted in accurate detail, decorated the walls of the underground triclinium, or dining room, belonging to the house of Livia Drusilla, wife of the Roman emperor Augustus, known as “Villa di Livia” or “Villa di Prima Porta”.
Designed by Michelangelo himself, the Basilica was built into the ruins of the famous Diocletian Baths at the behest of Pope Pius IV in order to honor the Christian martyrs who died in the Baths' construction.
Some useful information for your experience
Expert and licensed guide, entrance ticket, full on-site assistance, sterilized earphones (from 5 people upwards).
Suggested start time: 9.30 am / 2.00 pm. Not available on Monday.
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