baths of caracalla
 

I spent the summer in Rome in 1954 and am going there in the fall. I can't remember my way around of course but I took the bus everywhere. While in Rome I went to three operas at the Baths of caracalla. I wondered if it would be worth a trip there this time to show my husband what it looks like. I know it will just be the ruins but it was so nice back then.
I also would like to know if anyone knows the bus route out via nomentana to via asmara. If by any chance someone reads this who was in Rome the summer of 1954, let me know as I have other questions of places to rediscover.

I saw Aida at the Caracalla Baths in 1961 (it was and remains one of the "artistic highlights" of my life--along with Bolshoi ballet doing Swan Lake, but I digress) and then I heard they discontinued performances there for many years. My last trip to Rome a few years ago the word was that they have begun to use the Baths for performances again. But you mentioned going in the fall, and prehaps the season only goes for the summer. Have a wonderful trip!

I think it may very well be Summer only..or at least not all year. The performances resumed in 2000

I saw Aida there at the end of July, 2005. The operas are only staged at the Baths during the summer and may go into the early part of September. I've taken the bus on Via Nomentana to Sant'Agnese Fuori le Mura a few times, which is about a block from Via Asmera. What do you need to know? Rome doesn't change quickly so depending on what you want to rediscover from 1954, it may still be around.

Hi McKim,

My husband and I had a delightful and serene visit to Caracalla in fall 04.

We found it to be a very peaceful place which feels like an oasis unto itself. We took a taxi to the baths and then walked back.

At that time, no performances were being offered. The ruins are impressive, the grounds are green and peaceful with many umbrella pines for shade.

My husband and I packed a lunch and had a great afternoon wandering among the ruins. The grounds have benches for seating.

If you would enjoy seeing it again, I think it would be a nice change from the sometimes frenetic streets and piazzas in the city center.