‘Los Baños de la Reina’ (The Queen Baths) History
Legend has it that the name of this place comes from a Moorish Queen who used these pools as her private bathing place. In this way, and thanks to the underground galleries that led to the palace, the queen could enjoy bathing in the sea through these tunnels in a secret and private way.
Today we know that despite the romanticism of the legend, this is not true. This site
archaeological site located next to the salt flats of Calpe, it is made up of the remains of a Roman palace and other elements, such as these artificial pools that have made it so famous.
The Palace consisted of a corridor, patio and eight rooms, so it was not a simple villa or circular domus. His profusion in marbles and mosaics reveal that he belonged to a family with a high purchasing power. Building dating from the end of the second century or the beginning of the third century and abandoned at the beginning of the fifth century.
Among other elements, near the coast there are artificial pools dug into the rock for fish farming and subsequent salting of fish, some hot springs, a waterwheel and four cisterns. In this place an entire industry was established where we now know that a sauce called garum was made, among other products, reserved for the most exquisite palates and with greater purchasing power.
If you are a history lover and want to delve into the origins of this place, you can find more information here.