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Thermengasse – Where the Romans Relaxed in Zurich

In 1983, during renovation work on a toyshop, the remains of ancient Roman baths were discovered, thus putting Zürich's history in a new light. The baths were excavated and can now be viewed around the clock through a metal grating. Display units and explanatory texts supplement the small exhibition in the Thermengasse.

After a long journey across the Alps from Como, the Roman baths of ancient Zürich offered the first opportunity to take a bath. They are situated directly next to the bridge and the Weinplatz (square), where transported goods were transferred from seagoing to river vessels. Only this way was it possible for the goods to continue their northbound journey on what was then a rather turbulent Limmat River. The settlement around the Roman customs post at Lindenhof flourished.

The thermal baths were heated and formed a central meeting place for the public at large - at least until the Romans withdrew from Zürich in 405 / 406 A.D.