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Church · Bath, Inglaterra
Bath Abbey
The late Gothic church beside the Termas Romanas, rebuilt from 1499, with the façade of the angels' staircases, the fan-vaulted stone ceiling and the climb up the tower, with views over Bath's roofs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bath Abbey
The Abadia de Bath occupies the square beside the Termas Romanas, on the site of a church since the 7th century. There King Edgar was crowned in 973 in a ceremony that became a model for subsequent English coronations. The current building began to be constructed in 1499 by Bishop Oliver King, who, according to tradition, dreamed of angels ascending and descending a ladder to heaven.
The dream is carved on the west façade: two stone staircases climb the lateral towers with angels, some upside down, descending. Inside, the nave's ceiling is fan-vaulted stonework, rebuilt in the 19th century, and the tall windows earned the church the nickname Lantern of the West. The floor and walls hold about 1,500 memorial plaques of people who came to the city for treatment in the baths.
Guided tower visits climb 212 steps, pass the bell chamber, go behind the clock face and above the vault, and finish on the roof, with views over the Termas Romanas, the Avon valley and the surrounding hills. The floor restoration work, completed in 2021, also opened a visitor centre underground.
As a functioning church, the abbey may close for services, weddings and concerts; on Sundays tourist visiting is restricted. Entry to the church operates on a suggested-donation basis, and the tower requires a ticket.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes in the church; the tower climb takes around 50 minutes.
Best time
In the morning, when light comes through the east windows, or in the mid-afternoon. Tower climbs have timed slots and limited places; buy in advance. Check the schedule of services and concerts.
How to get there
It is in Abbey Churchyard, in central Bath, next to the Termas Romanas, a 5-minute walk from Bath Spa station and 3 minutes from Pulteney Bridge.
Tip
Before entering, stop in the square to see the angels on the west façade, some descending headfirst. Climb the tower: it offers the best view of the city's Georgian roofs.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bath Abbey
Can you climb the tower of the Abadia de Bath?
Yes, with a timed guided visit, with 212 steps to the roof.
What are the stairs on the façade?
The depiction of Bishop Oliver King's dream, with angels ascending and descending ladders to heaven, sculpted on the towers of the west façade.
Does the abadia charge admission?
The church operates on a suggested donation; the tower climb requires a ticket. Check ahead.