Roman Thermal Baths Barbarathermen Augusta Treverorum (Treves)

The Barbara Baths in Trier (Augusta Treverorum) are the Roman bath complex with the largest footprint built north of the Alps.

The Barbara Baths were built in the second half of the 2nd century AD. At this time, the bath complex at Viehmarkt had probably become too small for the growing city population. At the time of their construction, the baths had dimensions of 172 x 240 m (42,500 m²). They thus covered two residential blocks and a street. The water supply for the baths was provided by the Ruwer aqueduct.

The massive construction program can only be explained as a state-funded project. At the time of their creation, the Barbara Baths were the second-largest bath complex in the Roman Empire; only the Baths of Trajan in Rome were larger in area.

The bath complex apparently survived the Germanic invasions of the third century without major damage. Coin and ceramic finds attest to its use until the end of the 4th century. Operations ceased with the destruction of Trier at the beginning of the 5th century. Conversions for residential purposes are recognizable, which are interpreted as the beginning of the St. Barbara suburb.

Later Use

The size of the complex led to various uses in post-Roman times. In addition to being used as a quarry, various building installations are evident. Early Christian grave inscriptions point to a church, possibly already in Merovingian times. In the 11th century, a ministerial family became identifiable, naming themselves de Ponte after their proximity to the bridge. Various medieval fortified structures, visible as ruins on Matthäus Merian's city view and a drawing by Alexandre Wiltheim around 1620, can be attributed to them. These two drawings are the only detailed drawings of the building, and also the last: from 1611, the Barbara Baths served as a quarry for the construction of the Jesuit College, and the remaining ruins were blown up in 1675 by the French General Vignory during the conquest war of French King Louis XIV, to create a clear field around the city of Trier for tactical reasons.

The name of the baths goes back to the parish church of St. Barbara. Other church buildings may also have been located on the large bath grounds outside the medieval city wall. The location of a church St. Maria ad Pontem is largely unknown, as it was blown up by French troops in 1675. At this time, however, the reckless handling of ancient remains already had a certain tradition. Emperor Maximilian I had already ordered the still-standing parts of the baths to be shelled with cannons for testing purposes during the Trier Reichstag in 1512.

Current State

After 2000, the complex was closed to visitors for a longer period to restore the ruins. From 2009, new ways are to be found to present them to visitors. Parts of the complex are visible from the street.