Aquae Helveticae, Roman vicus / medieval / modern city, Roman archaeological site in Baden, Switzerland.
Aquae Helveticae is a Roman settlement founded around thermal springs with mineral-rich hot water that emerges naturally from the ground. The site contains remnants of stone buildings, workshops, and bathing facilities that lie beneath modern Baden's streets and structures.
The Romans founded this settlement in the first century AD near their military camp of Vindonissa, initially constructing wooden buildings. A major fire in 69 AD led to the construction of more permanent stone structures that served the community for generations afterward.
For centuries, this place served as a hub for craftsmanship and trade, with pottery workshops and metalworking sites thriving here. People traveled to use the warm springs for both healing and daily bathing, making it a vital social center.
The archaeological remains are scattered beneath today's city, so walking through central Baden reveals both modern structures and ancient sites. It is helpful to move slowly and watch for information plaques at various locations that explain what lies beneath the streets.
Excavations in 2020 unearthed preserved wooden beams and an intact Roman bathing room that lay about 2,000 years beneath the current street level. These discoveries show how remarkably well some objects survived and what everyday details remain about life in ancient times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
