The Roman Thermae
The Roman Thermae /or the Roman Baths/ located in the south-east part of the modern city of Varna are the largest public antique building ever to be discovered in Bulgaria. The relatively well preserved walls outline the imposing building which occupied an area of more than 7 000 sq. m. Its thick walls are built by a specific technology - a stone wall and 5-6 rows of bricks made of dense clay are alternating. The inner staircases and the door vaults are formed by huge stone blocks, and in certain places the fragments of magnificent mosaics can still be seen. The mosaics along with the numerous decorative marble fragments, the columns and the capitals, hint the lavish decoration, the building possessed.
The grandeur of the construction, the flawless execution of the brilliant architectural plan, and the rich decoration determine the thermae to be a remarkable monument of the antique architecture. These features evidence the floorishing of culture in the city in 2nd - 3rd century, its wellness and wealth. The thermae of Odesos are among the largest in the European part of the Roman Empire. Their plan bears a resemblance to the most famous thermae, builtin the capital of the emperors Caracala and Diocletian and an evidence for the important position Odesos used to occupy in the life of the Balkan provinces. The thermae's architecture help get an idea as of what did the ancient town of Odesos looked like, and the findings, revealed during excavation give information about the everyday life of its citizens.
Passing through spacious halls, a natural barrier against the cold air, the visitors would then enter a huge hall, called ballestra. Even today it is curious how the thermae heating system used to operate - it represents a double floor with vesicles especially designed to lead the warm air all the way to the roof!
Address: On the corner of the streets of San Stefano and Han Krum
Telephone: 052 60 00 59
Fax: 052/68 10 25
Working time:
May-October: 10am through 5 pm/ Closed on Monday!
November - April: 10 am through 5 pm/ Closed on Monday and Sunday!
Source: moreto.net
Pictures: Mirela Ltd.
