The Roman Baths are located in the appropriately named city of Bath, known as Aquae Sulis in Roman times. Construction began on this public bath complex around 60-70 AD with the Temple, whilst the remainder of the buildings were gradually added and completed throughout the next few centuries. The site that people can visit nowadays has changed significantly from the original complex – the terrace from which visitors can look over the Great Bath was constructed in the 19th century when the site was rediscovered and the statues that adorn the perimeter also date from this time. The Roman baths are actually below modern ground level, so the terrace gives visitors a good view of the mesmerising pool below and a great chance to take some photos! If, like me, you visit with your boyfriend (or even a friend) be warned that there are many classic photo opportunity spots around the Baths so you will be having impromptu photoshoots!
A visit to the Baths takes you on a breezy journey in the footsteps of a Roman bather. Accompanied by an informative audioguide, you can wander around at your leisure and explore its fascinating natural springs. The Great Bath, the largest surviving bath, is lined with 45 sheets of lead and is naturally heated from an underground spring (which is still used in the Thermae Bath Spa down the road). Though its chemical make-up would make it unsafe for bathing nowadays, I can’t help but want to relax in the steamy waters!
The Baths are centred around the Sacred Spring, which has a natural temperature of 46 degrees and was believed to be so magical that it was the work of the gods. A temple was erected beside the spring dedicated to Sulis Minerva and many objects have been discovered in its waters, presumed to be offerings to the goddess. One of the most intriguing items found were the curse tablets, whereby an individual would write a message on a thin sheet of lead or pewter, roll it up and toss it into the spring in hopes that the goddess would aid their plight. Aside from these curious scrolls, archaeologists have also recovered 12,000 coins and metal paterae, or pans.
Elsewhere on the site is the remains of the saunas, rooms where bathers would enjoy a steam before or after their bathe. The Romans, being the incredibly intelligent thinkers that they were, developed a method of underfloor heating by placing the floors on stacks of raised tiles (hypocaust pilae) and pumping hot air through the space created. This heated up the floors nicely, giving Roman bathers nice and toasty feet.
If you manage to get yourself over to the baths, it is worth booking in advance online for 10% off (and to skip the queues!). Also don’t forget to drink from the Spa Fountain at the end of your visit, where you can taste the healing waters that contain 43 minerals (don’t worry, the water has been cleaned!). If you’re interested in making a day of it, book lunch at the Georgian Pump Rooms next door and take a look around the incredible nearby Cathedral. There’s a lot to see and Bath is a beautiful place for a stroll.
The Girl In The Window 