The Roman baths in Lugo
The Roman baths in Lugo were built around the first century A.C. That's to say in Roman time. Ludo is the capital of Lugo's province. This city is the old "Lucus Augusti". The photograph shows the information displayed on the wall at the entrance of the spa today. It explains the Roman origins of the building.
For reasons mainly therapeutic, the Romans used to have three different swimming pools, placed in three rooms communicated between them:
First the people got into the first swimming pool which was full of hot water. This was called "calidarium". After that, people relaxed by diving in another swimming-pool with plenty of warm water called "tepidarium".
And finally, they dived in "frigidarium". This was a cold water swimming pool.
The public baths, called Roma baths, were places not only intended for body cleaning. They were also places to meet friends, talk, do gymnastics, play and read.
From Roman times, we only keep three slate barrel voultor, stoves, and, maybe, the wardrobe.
These are two photographs of the ancient Roman part that is preserved today.
The Roman baths are hidden by the actual spa that has medicinal use and tourism. The "Reyes Católicos" ordered the Roman baths to close because they thought there were abuses and immoralities in the baths.
But soon the baths were re-opened because people wanted to enjoy the healthy baths. We think this spa is one of the oldest in the world. It has been in use since Roman times.
The photograph shows the building we have today. It belongs to a leaflet giving information about the spa.
