The Romans founded the ancient settlement of Bath in 75 AD. This beautiful city was once home to the Roman XX Valeria Legion. The Romans discovered that, in and around the settlement of Bath, hot water bubbled constantly from deep springs.
Because of the Romans' love of bathing, they built and developed the famous Roman baths. Previously to that the Celts used the waters and they built and dedicated a shrine to their Goddess Sulis.
After the invasion of Britain was completed the Romans established their magnificent baths, but continued to respect the Celtic Goddess Sulis, by naming their baths Aquae Sulis (Waters of Sulis). Due to the popularity of the baths, the Romans continued to expanded them, building ever larger baths, and grander temples.
Most of these fine temples and baths have now been completely excavated by expert archaeologists. When the Romans abandoned Britain, the baths fell into disuse. It was during the reign of King George, that bathing again became fashionable and the baths were restored to their former glory. The baths themselves are a unique feature of the city of Bath, and are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the whole of the U.K.
The Roman baths were rediscovered in the 18th Century and now tourists and residents alike can bathe in the new Thermea Spa that was opened in September 2004. There are several interesting museums dedicated to the Romans and their baths. One museum includes a rebuilt Temple of Sulis.
The Roman Baths were surprisingly well preserved once they were uncovered from the silt that was covering them. Bath also has a castle which has now been converted into an hotel with a maharajah theme. In 1987 UNESCO awarded the ancient city of Bath well deserved Heritage status. The City of Bath has retained much of its character over the years, and it is easy to imagine what the city must have looked like during those prosperous times of the Roman occupation.
The City of Bath is situated close to London and served by fast motorways, air, bus and train services. Accommodation ranges from 5 star luxury hotels to budget backpacker guest houses. There is also a wide range of excellent restaurants and bars to cater for all tastes. For the active and adventurous there are nature walks, and golf courses.
Bath is a "green city" and abundant wildlife of all kinds can be viewed in the many parks that dot the city. Bath boasts a magnificent Cathedral which was built on the site of the earlier Bath Abbey. There are also many old churches in and around the City of Bath that are well worth a visit.
Farther afield there are attractions such as Stonehenge, an ancient site that was a sacred place of worship by the Druids of England. Human sacrifices were thought to be made on the stone alter at the summer and winter solstices, this was to guarantee abundant harvests for the following year. Near Bath is the Cheddar Gorge, where you can explore fascinating cave systems. The Cheddar Gorge is the deepest gorge in all the UK. Both these sites are well within a day's excursion from Bath.
For visiting tourist a trip to the UNESCO Heritage City of Bath is a must. Bath is easily reached from London and it is possible to visit and return in just one day. However Bath is such a fascinating city that a "day trip" cannot, and never will, do this ancient city true justice.
Find your next Bath hotel and take a look at these hotels in Bath.
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