The former home and setting of two novels by Jane Austen, Bath has been a sought-after location for centuries. A spa resort set up by the Romans in 43 AD, it sits just south of the Cotswolds in England. Here, the architecture is charming and delicate all at once. Everywhere the traveler looks are examples of a culture-rich city – while having spas and thermal baths readily available is an undeniable plus.
The Romans used the thermal baths for wellness starting in 43 AD. As the centuries passed, it remained a visited location. But when the 18th century rolled around, there was a renewed interest in making Bath one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is also the point where the architecture strayed from small and cramped streets to a look that would create the picturesque views that fit the whole of the city. Bath is a magnificent model of this Roman-meets-Georgian architecture, to be seen in its terraces, crescents, and squares.
The entire city of Bath was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. One of the primary points of interest is the Temple of Sulis Minerva at the heart. Sulis, a deity worshiped by the Romans in Bath, was known as a nurturing mother goddess. An apt goddess to tie in with a city born of relaxing thermal baths. Tours are available of the temple, featuring the temple courtyard, the rare Gilt bronze head of Sulis herself, ancient changing rooms, and, of course, the Great Bath itself. This well-preserved site sits close to the city center, easily accessed in a day.
Bath Abbey is a magnificent Norman church built on earlier foundations. The present building dates from the early 16th century and shows a late Perpendicular style with flying buttresses. The building is lit by 52 windows.
There are many other sites to see in Bath as well. Bath Street is the first to come to mind. This street is cobblestone and lined with rows of columns along both sides, the aesthetic unstained from shop signs. Along Bath Street, the traveler will find the historic Cross Bath bathing pool that bubbles up at 115° F. Across from here is the world-famous Thermae Bath Spa.