Aula Ottagona

What mighty structure once stood here? Look around you. Feel the history embedded in these ancient stones. We stand before the Aula Ottagona, also known as the Octagonal Hall. It’s a remarkable relic of the Baths of Diocletian. The Baths of Diocletian, once the largest baths in the ancient world, were a marvel of Roman engineering. Capable of holding up to 3,000 people, they were a hub of Roman social life. The Aula Ottagona, tucked away in a corner, played an interesting role in this grand complex. Initially, it likely served as a frigidarium, a cold plunge pool providing a refreshing contrast to the heated rooms. Its octagonal shape and domed roof, a masterpiece of Roman architecture, would have amplified the echo of splashing water and lively chatter. Centuries later, after the decline of the Roman Empire, the Aula Ottagona took on new life. It was separated from the main complex and transformed into a planetarium in 1928. Imagine gazing up at the dome, no longer adorned with marble and stucco, but instead, a canvas for the celestial wonders of the universe. Today, the Aula Ottagona stands as an exhibition space, housing a collection of bronze and marble statues recovered from the baths. As you admire these remnants of a glorious past, close your eyes for a moment and let the whispers of history wash over you. Picture the laughter of bathers, the quiet contemplation of stargazers, and the stories etched into the very fabric of this remarkable structure.