Location and Setting

Steep forested hills that surround many of the spa towns provide an impressive background, and as the late eighteenth century Romantic movement became established, an appreciation of landscapes aesthetics encouraged a greater value to be places on dramatic or picturesque landscapes.  Most of the Great Spa Towns of Europe have similar locations, lying in a river valley below high ground or below a steep edge of a plateau. The setting variously contributes to the distinctive character of the whole property, and the landscape setting can add drama and ‘background’ to the spa. For some component parts, in certain directions the setting of the spa ensemble is now modern commercial or suburban development. In many cases, there is an impressive prospect or view from high ground over the spa town and beyond.