Aquae Tarbellicae

Aquae Tarbellicae was a Roman settlement in Dax built around natural hot springs, featuring public baths, residential villas, and various structures. The remains show advanced building methods typical of Roman engineering and urban planning from that era.

The settlement was founded during Emperor Augustus' reign between 16 and 13 BCE as an administrative center for the Tarbelli tribe. It later became an important location in Roman Aquitaine, drawing people seeking the therapeutic benefits of the waters.

The site reveals how Romans built public baths around the natural hot springs, transforming them into gathering places for the community. Inscriptions and found objects show that people from different walks of life came to use these facilities.

The site is located at coordinates 43.7072°N, -1.0553°W in central Dax and is accessible to visitors. Keep in mind that ongoing excavations mean certain areas may be cordoned off or difficult to navigate.

Local tradition holds that Emperor Augustus and his daughter Julia visited the springs themselves, giving the settlement significant prestige. This imperial endorsement helped establish what would become Dax's lasting reputation for therapeutic waters.

GPS coordinates: 43.70720,-1.05530

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:40