The impressive Bath Abbey was constructed in 1499 and its massive stained glass windows illuminate the interior with a wash of color. The huge pipe organ is also certainly impressive. Someday I hope we're able to hear one of these incredible organs in concert. Because of its high vaulted ceilings, the abbey is, for all practical purposes, impossible to heat in the colder months so activity is limited as summer passes and the weather cools.
The Romans discovered Britain's only hot water springs and constructed this remarkable complex, which has remained a spa destination for centuries. It's not hard to imagine Roman Legions wandering these very halls and bathing in these waters. The Romans were certainly amazing engineers and constructed an intricate maze of waterways to fill the various baths with water of varying temperature, and then channeling the excess to the river. FYI-over a million gallons of hot water flows from these springs daily.
Pieces excavated from the original site are on display throughout the facility. Some of what we see today is a recreation of what once was. The original stone floor has been preserved wherever possible and excavated portions of the original water system are visible throughout the complex.
Even the floors were heated -- hot water and steam passed under the walking area in an intricate series of waterways.
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