Baths of Caracalla and Martellini Stadium: historical and cultural notes on the "theater" of the GP Liberazione

Ancient Rome, among its many characteristics, was a spa city. One of the most impressive complexes was built between 212 and 216 AD at the beginning of the Via Appia, at the foot of the Aventine hill: the Thermae Antoninianae. Better known by the name of the emperor who inaugurated them: Caracalla, son of Septimius Severus. Over 1,500 people could fit inside this complex of about 130,000 square meters. They were a place of relaxation and wellness, as we would say today. But also of study, with two libraries. And of sport, thanks to two gyms.
The Baths of Caracalla ceased to function in the year 537, when the Gothic king Vitiges, during the siege of the Eternal City, had all the aqueducts cut off. From then on, it was abandonment and removal of marble and metals, but also rediscovery and excellent preservation. Today they are an important cultural site: in addition to tourist visits throughout the year, in summer they host a 3,500-seat open-air Opera theater.
But sport is also at home here. In 1960, for example, the gymnastics competitions of the Olympics were held here. But as early as 1939 there was an active athletics stadium which in 2002 was named after the great commentator Nando Martellini. Last but not least, the Caracalla circuit is the route of the Gran Premio della Liberazione, the "Spring World Championship" of Under 23 cycling that crowns the professionals of tomorrow.