Rome, Italy
Health is the soul that animates all the enjoyments of life, which fade and are tasteless without it.
—Seneca (5 B.C.–A.D. 65), Roman dramatist, philosopher, and politician
This spectacular ruin in Rome was once a massive public bathing and entertainment complex constructed in the early third century A.D. The Baths of Caracalla reflect the fundamentals of good health promoted by Roman physicians: bathing, exercise, relaxation, and a good diet. The complex included a cafeteria, gymnasiums, a swimming pool, entertainment facilities, massage areas, two saunas, and three types of pools (tepid, hot, cold) seating 1,600 bathers. This ancient health spa was used until A.D. 537, when Witigis besieged Rome and destroyed the aqueducts supplying water to the site.
If you are intrigued with the connection between spiritual and physical well-being, you will be inspired by the Baths of Caracalla. Take Metro Line B to Circo Massimo Station; the ruins are at Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, south of the Colosseum.
Walk around the baths and reflect on how improving your physical and mental health might enhance or work in harmony with your spiritual pursuits.
Over the centuries, priceless artwork was plundered from the site, including mosaics of athletes that covered the gymnasium walls and are now in the Vatican Museum, and a statue of a muscular Hercules that, along with other statues taken from the baths, is in the archaeological museum of Naples.