The Thermes de Cluny, also known as the Cluny Baths or Roman Baths of Lutetia, are ancient Roman thermal baths located in Paris, France. These baths are part of the larger complex of the Musée de Cluny, which is now the National Museum of the Middle Ages.
The construction of the Thermes de Cluny dates back to the 1st to 3rd centuries AD, during the height of the Roman Empire. The baths were part of the Roman city of Lutetia, the precursor to modern Paris. The complex was one of the largest public baths in the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis, showcasing the architectural prowess and the importance of hygiene and social life in Roman culture.
The baths were used until the 3rd century when invasions and subsequent decline led to their abandonment. Over time, the site was buried and forgotten until the Renaissance, when it was rediscovered during the construction of the Hôtel de Cluny in the 15th century. The remains were then integrated into the design of the Hôtel, which later became the Musée de Cluny.
The surviving structures of the Thermes de Cluny include:
These elements were designed to provide a full range of thermal experiences, from hot to cold, promoting health and social interaction. The walls of the baths were once adorned with marble, and the floors with intricate mosaics, although much of these decorative elements have been lost or damaged over time.
Today, the Thermes de Cluny are preserved and exhibited as part of the Musée de Cluny. Visitors can explore the ruins, which give insight into Roman engineering and the daily life of the time. The museum also houses medieval artifacts, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of Roman and medieval history within the same space.