Bath has been a World Heritage Site since 1987. The main reasons for its status as a World Heritage Site are: 

• Roman Archaeology (especially but not only the Roman Baths and Temple complex)
• Georgian City (including architecture, town planning and integration of the city with the landscape)
• Landscape Setting
• Social Setting (the society that created the city)

A theme that runs through all of these reasons is the Hot Springs. The Springs are central to Bath's foundation and development as the city we know today, and they are central to our status of World Heritage Site.

The natural landscape in and around Bath is very important for our World Heritage status. As well as giving us the the Hot Springs, the geology of the area gives us the stone that has created the city, the topography has influenced the architecture and development of the city, and the beauty of the landscape has inspired builders of the city and visitors alike and continues to bring people here today. Associated with the landscape is the industry of stone quarrying. This has played an important part in the story of our city since Roman times and is still an active part of the area's economy today.

Being a World Heritage Site puts Bath alongside the most exciting places on Earth, from the Grand Canyon in the USA to Machu Picchu in Peru and the Pyramids in Egypt. We are part of a very special community and many people around the world look to Bath to see what we are doing with our city.

The World Heritage Site covers the whole city, following the former municipal Bath city boundary. You can download a pdf file of a map showing the boundary from the Document Availability page.

Bath's significance as a World Heritage Site is explained in some more detail in the World Heritage Site Management Plan Summary, and in detail in the World Heritage Site Management Plan. 

To find out more about archaeology, visit the  Archaeology pages.

To find out more about landscape, visit the  Landscape pages.