Location: City of Bath Date completed: c. 60-70 AD Designers/builders: Initially Romans, rebuilt to the designs of architects John Wood the Elder and Younger in the 18th century Function: Hot springs and communal baths

The Roman Baths, in the appropriately named city of Bath, are a major tourist attraction, drawing one million visitors a year. They are a historic link with our Georgian and Roman past. Baths were a central element of Roman culture, important for socialising as well as cleansing. Most cities and larger villas would have their heated baths. Perhaps, however, the Roman Baths should be called the "Celtic Baths". The Celts were the first to build a shrine on the hot springs that surface in the area, dedicated to the goddess Sulis. Indeed the Romans, respectful of existing gods, called the city they built there "Aqua Sulis" ("The waters of Sulis"). The Roman temple was started shortly after the Roman occupation in 60-70 AD, with the bathing facilities being extended over the next 300 years. After the Romans left Britain in the early fifth century, the baths silted up and the buildings fell into ruin. Over the centuries, locals built baths over the hot springs. In the 18th century the father and son architects, both John Wood, designed the neo classical building that houses the spring. The Grand Pump Room is still in use for visitors taking the waters (containing 42 minerals!) and for social functions. The Victorians expanded the complex, following the design scheme established by the Woods. Today the Roman Baths complex is a fascinating combination of excavated and restored Roman remains, together with Georgian, Victorian and modern facilities. The four main attractions are the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and the Museum. The Roman baths are below today's street level.
 
The secret of Bath's 2,000+ years of healthy bathing lies in the hot water springs. These rise from aquifers sitting between 8,900 and 14,100 feet (2,700 m and 4,300 m) below ground where geothermal energy raises their temperature almost to boiling point. Pressure drives the water to the surface, where it emerges at a temperature of 46o C (114.8o F). Swimming is no longer permitted in the pool due to health concerns, though a recent bore hole provides safe, clean water for drinking.