Restoring the Bath/Gymnasium of Tralles

A lot can happen in ten years since I last visited Tralles (see: A tentative visit to Tralles). 

Excavations in this ancient city have been carried out around its Baths/Gymnasium, the iconic three vaulted arches, which the locals call “the three eyes,” that caught my attention back in 2015. 

[Picture from Anatolian Archaeology]

After being closed to the public, Tralles finally reopened to the public in August 2025. For me, the place is hardly recognizable as all the trees and shrubs around the arches have been cleared, exposing a comprehensive layout of the Baths. The terracotta water or sewage pipes I noticed before are no longer visible, probably reburied appropriately under the floor. 

This is one of the largest Roman bath complexes in Anatolia, matching the importance Tralles had acquired at that time. 

This large complex is said to cover 40,000 square meters, i.e., having sides of 60 meters or something along those lines. The pool could accommodate up to 200 people. Archaeologists expect that after restoration, it will be refilled with water and thus recreate a mesmerizing picture of the premises. 

Romans would often visit the Baths on a daily basis, not only to refresh themselves during the hot summer months, but mostly to socialize and exercise.