This magnificent centrepiece of the Roman baths is a pool, lined
with 45 sheets of lead, and filled with hot spa water.
It once stood in an enormous barrel-vaulted hall that rose to a
height of 40 metres. For many Roman visitors this may have
been the largest building they had ever entered in their life.
The bath is 1.6 metres deep which is ideal for bathing and has
steps leading down on all sides. Niches around the baths
would have held benches for bathers and possibly small tables for
drinks or snacks.
Costumed characters are in
action around the Great Bath from 10am to 5pm during the peak
season and every afternoon between 1.30pm and 4.30pm in the
winter months.
To the East and West are further suites of baths and heated
rooms.
EXPLORE:
Find out about the Roman Great Bath
here.
View of the Great Bath with Bath Abbey in the
distance