Visiting the Iconic Roman Bath Spa in Bath, Somerset

The 12th-century Roman Bath Spa, located in Somerset, was a sight to behold. From the paved streets, temple ruins, and goddess Sulis Minerva altars to the beautiful natural thermal springs, the historic site captures the history of two thousand years ago.

The Roman Bath Spa was built when Bath was a Roman colony known as Aquae Sulis. It's bathing suites was based around the practice of moving through a series of heated rooms culminating in a cold plunge at the end. Visitors were not known to swim in the great bath but to relax and reflect.

It was such a fascinating walk-through so I wanted to share some highlights from our trip! :)

The Roman Bath Spa

The Great Bath is lined with forty-five thick sheets of lead and is 1.6 metres deep. Back in the day, the Bath was accessed by its by four steep steps that entirely surround it. It was fed with hot water directly from the Sacred Spring.

The terrace above is lined with Victorian statues of Roman emperors and governors of Britain and dates back to1894. The statues were carved three years in advance of the grand opening of the Roman Baths.

The Hot Spring, Spring Overflow, Roman Drain, & Spa Water Fountain

At a temperature of forty-six degrees celcius, 1,170,000 litres of water rises from the hot spring each day. Many threw coins and other object offerings in the sacred spring which arose within the Temple of Sulis Minerva courtyard. Its overflow carries the water surplus to the original Roman drain which eventually flowed into the River Avon,

Two thousand years ago, spa goers believed that the water had curative features. At the end of the walkthrough, there’s a fountain of treated water that flows from the hot springs. The water quality is good but has higher levels of sulphur and fourty-three minerals so a sip is all you woud need if you plan to have a taste.

The Temple Ruins

Their Goddess, Sulis Minerva, & an Altar

The gilt bronze head of Sulis Minerva (goddess of healing, water, hot springs and curses) was found in Bath in 1727.
The altar display states, "The sacrificial altar was the focus for public worship where priests conducted ceremonies and animal sacrifices."

Heated Rooms & Plunge Pools

The east and west bath houses are a series of heated rooms which were fed by water that flowed through a pipe from the Great Bath. The laconium was a steam room of intense dry heat, and the 1.6-metres-deep circular bath was used for the final cold plunges.

The Roman Coins

The hoard of 17,660 Roman coins, which spanned the period from 32BC – 274AD, was found on Beau Street about 150 metres (490 ft) from the town's Roman Baths. There were eight separate, yet fused, money bags. 

Messages to the gods & Curses

Some of the Museum Collections

The Roman Bath Spa is a must see if you’re ever in Bath, Somerset.

Next on the list was my visit to the oldest house in Bath, Sally Lunn’s Eating House!