General Information
Bath is a city in south-west England, best known for its spas fed by three hot springs. It is located 159 km west of London and 21 km southeast of Bristol.
The city is built around natural hot springs. The first documented mention of the city comes from the time of the Roman rule, when the Roman baths are mentioned, although it is believed that it was founded earlier. Water from springs was used to treat various ailments. From Elizabethan to Georgian times, it was a place for the rich. The result of this popularity was the construction of many architecturally interesting buildings, the most famous of which is the Royal Crescent. The city has more than 90,000 inhabitants.
History
During the Roman rule, large temples and spa complexes were built in the area, including the Great Baths. Their remains, gradually unveiled since the 18th century, have become one of the biggest tourist attractions. Around the 3rd century, defensive walls were built around the city. From the 4th century, the influence of the Romans decreased, but some hot springs continued to be used.
Between the evening of April 25 and the morning of April 27, 1942, Bath became the target of the German Air Force in retaliation for the RAF attack on Lübeck and Rostock. About 19,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed and about 400 people were killed. Major damage has been reported to many historic buildings, including the Royal Crescent, Circus, Pragon, spas and Queens Square. All historical monuments were later restored.
Bath - Quick guide
The basic source of income for the city is tourism. Bath is the most visited city in Great Britain after London. The town has signs of all the major stages of English history - from the Roman Baths (including the original Celtic Baths) to Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent and Thermae Bath Spa, founded in 2000.
The importance of the tourism industry is also reflected in the number of about 300 accommodation facilities, including more than 80 hotels and more than 180 Bed and Breakfast facilities, many of which are located in buildings built in the Georgian style.
Interesting facts
Jane Austen lived in Bath in the early 19th century.
