Varna (the ancient name Odessos) boasts some of the biggest and best
preserved Roman architectural monuments. These are the renowned Roman Thermae
(warm thermal baths), the biggest ever found in Bulgaria and the third
largest in Europe. They are very close to the centre of the ancient city,
spread on an area of 7 000 m2 and rise to a height of 18 m. The larger part
was excavated between 1959 - 1970, and displayed.
The Thermae were built during the rule of the emperors from the Severan
dynasty at the end of II century and turned into ruins after an earthquake
at the end of III century. They are extremely symmetrical. All their exits
but the southern were surrounded by shops. Both central entrances from the
north led to small lobbies.
Through them one could go to a spacious hall,
used for sports, commercial and friendly talks before and after the bath;
probably for more serious public gatherings as well. Other entrances led
to both changing - rooms (apoditeriae), further to premises with warm and hot
water (tepidariae and caldariae) and baths with cold water (frigidariae).
The heating was installed under the floors of the warm baths, the so called
"hipocaust", and between the walls and their marble upholstery. The Thermae
were richly ornamented with marble capitals, columns and cornices. The
window frames represented sculptures of Hermes, Nike, Heracles, etc.
Probably in the Thermae or nearby there was a sanctuary of the deities
Asklepios and Hygia, and Heracles. Memorial inscriptions and statues of
Honoured Citizens of Odessos lined along the building.
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