Cluny Baths
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Cluny Baths |
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The builders of the baths used Roman construction methods. They used opus mixum - stonework combined with brick bands and mortar. The Frigidarium is composed of barrel vaults along the sides and a groin vault in the center. The baths are of heavy, muscular construction. |
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The interior was decorated with marble veneer, mosaics, wall paintings, and some sculpture. These bright surfaces would have offset the heavy, muscular architecture. |
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While these were public baths, the Nautes, those charged with protecting river traffic, may have reside here. A sculpture of a boat can be seen in the frigidarium. Public baths were an intrinsic part of Roman life and as such express "Romanitas." These baths are now a museum for ancient and medieval art works. |
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The Nautes erected a pillar dedicated to the emperor. Several stones from this pillar were incorporated in the foundations of Notre-Dame and were rediscovered during excavations in 1710. |
© k.staelin 2003; images are the property of their owner and may not be used without permission of owner.
