The oldest SPA in Europe - Bath

There are three springs in the oldest SPA in Europe. The biggest one was holy and it was impossible to bathe in it, but complaints and pleas to the gods were thrown into it. Today Bath tempts not only with hot springs, but also with a beautiful bridge, delicious rolls and regional wine.

Located in the west of England, Bath is a city that is visited by approximately 3.8 million people each year. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also one of the Great Britain's National Heritage sites, thanks to the greatest architectural gems in Europe.

It is located about 160 km west of London and the fastest way to get there is from Bristol. Round-trip bus fares start at around £ 5.5.

Bath thermal baths

Bath is famous for its ancient thermal baths, dating back 2,000 years. Today they are no longer allowed to be bathed in, but in the past they were the center of the social life of the entire empire. They were already appreciated by the ancient Romans, who built the city of Aquae Sulis with a temple and baths in the Avon River valley. It was also used for bathing in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, the traditions of the oldest SPA in Europe are continued by the Thermae Bath Spa, which opened in 2006. Water is supplied to them from great depths, so that bathers can enjoy the same mineral-rich hot springs as the Romans and Celts.

There are more than the thermal baths in Bath. A famous trace of the past is also Pulteney - a stone arch bridge made of three spans, which is one of four fully built bridges in the world.

The treasures of Bath's sacred architecture

Another site that Bath makes famous is one of the greatest sacred temples in Europe, the Anglican Church of Saint Peter and Paul Abbey . The building towering over the city is 24 meters wide and 69 meters long. Most of the 52 windows have beautiful stained glass. At a height of 23 meters, there is a fan-shaped vault, dazzling tourists with its majesty - as befits a gothic.

Two historic building complexes are also invaluable. The first is the Royal Circus , modeled on the Colosseum. Creates a circle of connected residential houses. In the past, there was a beautiful garden inside the circle. The second band is Royal Crescent , created on a crescent plan. It consists of 30 terraced buildings built in the Georgian style. Seen from a bird's eye view, both sets form a key that is a symbol of Freemasonry.

The mother of all English gardens in the world

Nature lovers cannot miss the chance to get to know the pattern of all the English gardens of the world. In Bath is the Prior Park Landscaped Garden , designed by the poet Alexander Pope. It covers an area of approximately 11 hectares, and among the romantic green scenery there is a Palladian bridge and ancient and neo-Gothic temples. Four lakes add to its charm.

The oldest building in Bath houses the charming Sally Lunn's bakery , where delicious French scones are baked. They are made according to a recipe from the 17th century. In addition to a cafe where you can eat a yeast bun, there is also a kitchen museum.

West of England flavor

Gourmets will love Bath not only because of the buns. In the local bazaars, you can buy regional wines , sold by local farmers. Willing people will also buy vegetables and fruit grown on natural fertilizers, as well as traditionally produced cheese.

In the past, the city was famous for its merchants. Tourists who would like to stock up on vintage clothes will surely find their way to the Upper Town district, while those who would prefer to shop in popular brands will sooner or later visit Stall Street.

Since we are in Bath, it is best to end the tour with a visit to the SPA. In water with a temperature ranging from 45-55 ° C, we will forget about the hardships of the day and let the skin rest in clouds of steam. Like the Celts 2,000 years ago.