Exploring the Queen's Baths in Calpe with Hamiltons of London

In Spain’s Costa Blanca, Calpe is a town that combines modern living, Mediterranean life, beauty and ancient history. One of the many wonderful clues to this coastal town’s past is the Queen’s Baths (Baños de la Reina). This is a fascinating scenic and archaeological site dating back to Roman times. For anybody buying a home in Calpe with Hamiltons of London we would recommend that you do explore the site as part of discovering more about the area you are moving to, its wonderful history and lifestyle.  

A Window into Calpe’s Past

The Queen’s Baths are located on Calpe’s seafront close to the Peñon de Ifach rock that looms tall over the town between two of its beaches. Although the name implies a royal connection this is a misnomer that has stuck because of a local legend that a Moorish queen once bathed in the natural rock pools. In fact, the baths were a fish farm which was part of a villa complex when the Romans inhabited the area prior to the invasion of the Moors. So far excavations have revealed the saltwater pools carved into the rock itself where fish were bred to produce a Roman fish sauce called garum. Those how visit or live in Calpe now will be able to see not only the outline of these ancient pools but also the foundations and mosaics belonging to the houses that once stood here.

The Roman Villa: Luxury and Leisure

Next to the baths is the Roman villa complex which it is believed belonged to a well to do merchant or landowner. Here you can see the foundations and outline of the various rooms with their intricate mosaic floors. The excavations have revealed the living quarters, storage areas and thermal baths loved by Romans who appreciated both comfort and hygiene. The baths themselves would have included a cold room, warm room and a hot room heated by an ancient underfloor system called a hypocaust. Historians therefore believe that Calpe at this time was already a well-connected and prosperous community.  

History Meets the Mediterranean Sea

The practical purpose for the location with easy access to fresh, live fish is clear but, the Romans also chose one of the most beautiful spots in Calpe to build not only a lucrative fish farm but also their homes. The Roman villas that stood here gave the inhabitants panoramic sea views and the limestone Peñon de Ifach. With the wash of the waves across the historical stonework it is easy to see why the Romans chose to live here and why so many people today also decide to buy a home in Calpe. The mix of history and modern living contributes to the towns charm for both visitors and residents and the town centre, beaches and bars are just a short walk away.

Archaeological Discoveries and Preservation

The site of the Queen’s baths was first mentioned in the 18th century but, the careful excavation of the area didn’t begin until the 20th century. Many treasures have been revealed by the site’s archaeologists including pottery, coins, tools and decorations that give an idea of the daily life of the Romans who lived in Calpe. A lot of these artifacts can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Calpe. The work of preserving the ruins from erosion and development continue and the area is open to the public who can walk among the remains and, with the help of information panels, can enjoy a step back in time to walk where the Romans worked and lived.

Nature and History in Harmony

The setting of the Queen’s Baths and the Roman village is striking with the ruins just metres away from the Mediterranean shore and Ifach a dramatic presence rising from the sea. The combination of give a timeless feel and this combined with the diversity of the marine life and seabirds who nest on the limestone rock adds to the areas value both historically and ecologically. The magical beauty of sunrise and sunset adds a golden reflection to the pools and helps us contemplate others who have in the past made their home in Calpe and left their mark on this flourishing town.

Visiting the Queen’s Baths and Roman Village

The Baños de la Reina archaeological is close to the main promenade and within easy walking distance of the town centre and beaches of Calpe. It is free to enter the site, and it is open throughout the year for anyone who is fascinated by history of Calpe and the nearby museum adds to the experience. A walk through the Roman village and seeing the Queen’s Baths gives a real feel of what it was like to live in Calpe during the Roman times. Here we can see that the history of the town lives on in the stones and sea and makes the town even more captivating, inviting more visitors to fall in love and buy a home in Calpe.

Living Near the Queen’s Baths

When you choose to buy a property in Calpe close to the Queen’s Baths you are choosing a location that not only gives you a continued insight into the town’s history but a life of tranquillity, beauty and convenience. The area surrounding this historical site provides a mix of modern apartments, villas and traditional Spanish homes some with sea views and all with easy access to the lively centre of Calpe town as well the busy fishing port. Hamiltons of London have an office just a short and pleasant stroll away from location of the Roman Vicas in Calle la Niña and our knowledgeable and experience team will be very happy to help you find your ideal property for sale in Calpe.