Barbara Baths
When it was built, the monumental spa complex dating back to the 2nd century was the second largest of its kind in the whole Roman Empire. It covered an area of 42,000 square metres, the size of six football pitches. The oldest spa complex in the city afforded its guests wellness and relaxation at the very highest level. Guests spent their time in the spa oasis and culture centre, enjoying a swimming pool and various baths, some of them heated. There were also libraries, restaurants, shops and beauty salons for the guests to enjoy.
The floor plan of the thermal baths is based on a North African style in terms of orientation of the swimming pools and bathing rooms. Findings reveal that the baths had rich marble fittings, with niches designed as sea grottos. The complex was in use until the 5th century, when it underwent various construction works and was subsequently used as a quarry. The decline and dismantling of the baths led to the growth of the St Barbara district of Trier from which the baths derive their current name.
A visitor pathway around the complex brings the baths back to life again. There are nine stations showcasing not only the architecture and the magnificent fittings of the complex, but also the bathing process in Roman times based on reconstructions. There are also illustrations of the developments after the ancient period and the current restoration work in the baths.
January – February
Monday – Sunday
9 a.m – 4 p.m.
March
Monday – Sunday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April – September
Monday – Sunday
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October
Monday – Sunday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November – December
Monday – Sunday
9 a.m – 4 p.m.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Note: The Roman buildings may sometimes be closed for short periods due to the weather.
The visitor walkway around the Barbara Baths is accessible free of charge.
The Centre of Antiquity consists of a range of historic buildings. Disabled access therefore varies across different sites and cannot always be guaranteed because of the historic nature of the buildings.
Barbara Baths: The Barbara Baths are accessible via a visitor walkway. There are no steps on the walkway. There are no parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the complex.
Parking options
- In the car park on Lorenz-Kellner-Strasse (200 m)
- In the town hall car park (300 m)
- In the car park on Speestrasse (400 m)
Coach parking
- There are 20 paying bays at the Imperial Baths coach park (800 m)
- 5–6 paying bays along Weberbach near the Aula Palatina (1 km