Bath demonstrates multiple layers of cultural genius. The Romans had the foresight and technology to harness the hot springs. They developed an impressive bath and temple complex within a walled city, attracting visitors from across the Roman Empire. Much of the bath's archeology remains and can be seen today. In the eighteenth century, within the same outstanding landscape setting, the Georgians remodelled the entire town, purposefully creating a beautiful city. This attracted society's elite from across Europe, and influenced the architectural and social traditions of the nation.

With the exception of the medieval quarters and the streets that run alongside the river, the layout of Bath was designed according to the most up-to-date principles: its streets, which are laid out in a rectilinear grid, provide perspective views. In the central districts, these streets cross each other at right angles.

Apart from the medieval pedestrian centre which surrounds the perpendicular Gothic abbey church, the urban landscape of Bath dates to the 18th century. The striking transformation of the city which took place at this time was based on Palladian principles, and its architecture and natural context are in harmony. Large-scale Neoclassical monuments with generous windows are elegantly integrated into the ensemble.