Marketplace – A Hidden History from Roman Times Anyone who strolls comfortably through the market square of Baden-Baden or climbs the Florentine mountain today often has no idea that an ancient history lies beneath the cobblestones and houses – the traces of the Roman past. Around 2,000 years ago, the Romans built an important bathing centre in Baden-Baden – the then “Aquae”. The hot thermal springs attracted visitors even then. In the immediate vicinity of today's market square were Roman bathing facilities, some of whose ruins are still underground. The Florentine Mountain, today a picturesque, quiet place with views over the city, was probably part of a Roman residential or cult area. It is believed that villas or smaller temple complexes were located here – protected and elevated with a view over the valley.