For as long as humans have sought comfort, they have turned to hot water – a source of relief that has soothed weary bodies since the dawn of civilisation. From prehistoric tribes warming themselves in volcanic springs, to Romans carving vast bathhouses into their cities, and the Japanese perfecting the ritual of the furo, people have long understood the restorative power of a warm soak.

The Journal
Guides
Italian Architecture
Sep 1st, 2025