The basilica is free, the museum isn't

One key distinction: the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri — Michelangelo's church inside the baths — has free entry, like Rome's other churches. The museum section of the Baths of Diocletian (epigraphic collection, protohistory, cloisters) requires the National Roman Museum ticket.

Museum tickets

The ticket is inexpensive (indicative — check current prices on the official website), with a reduced rate for EU citizens aged 18 to 25 and free entry for under-18s.

Combined National Roman Museum ticket

The ticket is usually combined and valid for several days across all four sites of the National Roman Museum: the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo (right across the way), Palazzo Altemps and Crypta Balbi. Well worth it if you plan to see more than one.

Opening hours

The museum section is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, with continuous hours (times are indicative — check the official website); closed Monday. The basilica keeps its own hours, usually generous every day (mind services). Last museum entry is typically about an hour before closing.

Free museum entry

The museum section is generally free on the first Sunday of the month and on select special days. The basilica, on the other hand, is always free.

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Visiting tips

  • Free and fast: short on time? See at least Michelangelo's basilica (free entry).
  • Use the combined ticket: one ticket also gets you into Palazzo Massimo, right across the street.
  • Skip Monday: the museum section is closed.
  • Buy online to skip the line, especially on the first Sunday of the month.

Frequently asked questions

Do you pay to enter the Baths of Diocletian? The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Michelangelo's church) is free. The museum section (epigraphy, protohistory, cloisters) requires the National Roman Museum ticket.

Does the ticket also cover Palazzo Massimo? Yes: it's usually combined and valid for several days across all National Roman Museum sites, including Palazzo Massimo, right across the way.

Which day is the museum section closed? Normally Monday. The rest of the week it's open Tuesday to Sunday. The basilica keeps its own, more generous hours. Check the official website.

When is museum entry free? Generally the first Sunday of the month and on select special days. The basilica, however, is always free to enter.

Is the combined ticket worth it? Yes — above all because Palazzo Massimo is right across the street: with a single ticket you see two National Roman Museum sites (or more).

See also

Book a driver for the Baths of Diocletian

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Article #328 · Category: Practical · Updated: May 2026