Bassin des Ladres, Medieval thermal basin in Ax-les-Thermes, France.
Bassin des Ladres is a rectangular thermal water basin in Ax-les-Thermes that measures approximately 14 meters long, 11 meters wide, and 1.2 meters deep. Granite steps on all four sides provide access to the water, while hot water flows in through one corner and drains through a grated outlet.
The basin was built in the second half of the 13th century to treat soldiers returning from the Crusades who suffered from skin diseases. Its construction marks an important moment when thermal waters became recognized for their healing properties in medieval times.
The basin floor incorporates repurposed millstones and other materials, showing how medieval builders made use of whatever they had at hand. Walking around the edges, you can see these recycled stones embedded in the structure, revealing practical construction methods from that era.
The granite steps make it easy to approach and view the basin from multiple angles without any special equipment. The site is open year-round and the continuous flow of thermal water means the basin is always in its natural state.
Archaeological digs have uncovered traces of habitation from the Iron Age buried beneath the basin's current foundations. This reveals that people were drawn to this spot for its warm springs long before the medieval structure was ever built.
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