Aquae Sulis, or the waters of the Goddess, is the old name for the Roman town of Bath. Named for the natural hot springs, it was a sacred place before the Romans came, dedicated to the Goddess Sulis. The Romans identified Sulis with their own goddess, Minerva and, stuck in a cold country far from home, were thrilled to find a place where they could bathe in the warm waters they were accustomed to, and so built a magnificent bath and temple complex around the springs.
After the Romans left the complex fell into decay, the temple torn down by Christians. The baths remained, though the ground level rose, hiding much of the original Roman remains from view. However, in the 18th century, the baths were excavated and restored to their original ground level. A new complex of buildings, including the famous Pump Room, rose around the ancient ruins, as Bath became a fashionable place to ‘take the waters.’
The whole city is now designated a World Heritage Site, and the Baths themselves are a Unesco Memory Of The World. While the Roman baths are no longer open for bathing, you can still experience in the mineral rich waters in a new bathing centre close to the original baths, which includes a rooftop pool where you can watch the sun rise (or set) over the ancient town.
We visited the Roman Baths on a glorious sunny day, the golden stone and green water glowing in the bright light. The statues around the top of the baths complex are more modern additions, sculpted in the 19th century, but work very well, I think. Inside the complex there is a fascinating museum, where you can see artifacts from the Roman past, including the original temple steps, still in situ. The old Roman drains are there too, coated with minerals from the water which still flows through.
And then there is the main bath itself, still a tranquil space after so many years. Apparently bathing here was mixed, the Romans not subscribing to our more modern levels of prudery. The excellent Bill Bryson is one of the commentors on the audio guide and speculates as to what might have gone on in the alcoves and among the pillars, so close to a place of worship. Pleasures of the flesh and of the spirit were not kept separate in those days.
Although a sign warned us not to, I did dip my fingers in the water. (To be fair, I didn’t see the sign till afterwards – apparently the water is untreated and so considered not safe). And what was it like? It was soft against my fingers, and felt luke warm rather than hot, with a slightly sulphuric odour. We did get to drink some of the water as well, a tap offering a treated version at the end of our tour. Again, it was warm, and tasted of sulphur and metal – I suppose it was good for me!
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Baths, as it’s been on my list of places to visit for a very long time. I hope you enjoyed coming on this Wednesday Wander with me – see you next time!
If you enjoyed this post and want to read more, you can find me on Twitter @AuthorHelenJ, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Plus my latest book release, A Thousand Rooms, is now available on Amazon. Visit my Amazon Author Page to see more.
Helen Glynn Jones 
We went about 10 years ago – I spent all the time walking round with my mouth open in wonder. It was one of those places like Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall I’d known from books all my life. Amazing place, and a great write up.
Thank you 🙂 Yes, I was the same – somewhere I’d seen in books and pictures all my life, but the reality was something else again! Just extraordinary.
🙂
Been a couple of times since we’ve lived close by and I just love it. I could visit every year and not get bored! I love the display of models in the shape of limbs that people threw in the water hoping Sulis Minerva would heal them. Such personal, hopeful items bring you closer to the people, don’t they? Love your photos – they do the place justice. Lovely post Helen
So sad how many things get destroyed in the name of religion. It’s still going on today according to the news.
Yes. I think people sometimes forget, when they see Isis or the Taliban or whoever destroying antiquities, that for many years it was over-zealous Christians who destroyed much of the ancient knowledge of the world. Doesn’t make it right for anyone to do, of course – just an interesting thing to note…
For someone who absolutely loves history I cannot believe I have never visited Bath. I really must make the effort. I enjoyed reading your post, wonderful photos
Thank you so much, really glad you enjoyed the post. Like you, I love history too, and also can’t believe it took me so long to visit. It’s well worth it, I hope you get the chance to go there soon 🙂
Gosh its years since I was there! Looks just the same though. There’s nothing finer than afternoon tea in the Pump Rooms with the string quartet playing softly from the balcony. Certainly tasted… and smelled… better than the water, from what I remember!
Sounds perfectly elegant, Ali! We didn’t have time to go to the Pump Room for tea, sadly – next time though! 🙂
Wish I could join you!
You never know, Ali – maybe one day 🙂 It would be a lovely place to meet, wouldn’t it?
Certainly would! But I’ll see you at the Bash anyway. We planned in more time for socialising this time. 😊
excellent! i might have to look at staying over this time… 🙂
That would be brill! We should book the same hotel!
That would be cool! Have you not booked yet then? I’ll have a look at what’s available 🙂
No I havent! Head in the clouds and nose in books! 😂
Well, it sounds as though that course of yours is keeping you very busy! It’s on the Sunday, isn’t it? Because I’ll have to go home Sunday night 😦 Maybe I’ll stay the Saturday night instead…
BB is on Saturday so yeah stay saturday night. I think there is going to be a Bash Breakfast on Sunday morning too for those who stayed over.
ooh, that does sound fun! Will see what I can arrange 🙂 Let me know if you book anywhere xx
I LOVE Bath!!! ❤ I have some of these photos (almost exactly). Such an amazing place. I had tea (and water from the fountain) in the Pump Room.
Oh, I didn’t go into the Pump Room this time – I’ll have to go back, I guess 😉
Yes, you do!
Pingback: The Old Year Ends… | Journey To Ambeth