Roman Thermae (Roman Baths), Varna (must see)

The Roman Baths in Varna are a remarkable example of ancient architecture and a key historical landmark in the city. Built at the end of the 2nd century A.D., these thermal baths cover an area of 7,000 square meters, making them the largest ancient building discovered in Bulgaria and the biggest Roman baths on the Balkan Peninsula. The well-preserved walls and symmetrical design highlight the grandeur of the complex, which served as a central hub for public life in the Roman city of Odessus, now modern-day Varna.

The baths complex includes a range of facilities typical of Roman baths, such as an apodyterium (changing room), frigidarium (cold pool), tepidarium (warm pool), and caldarium (hot pool). It also features a palaestra, a space used for social and athletic activities. The baths were accessed through two main entrances on the northern facade, with wide stairs leading visitors to an antechamber designed to protect the dressing rooms from cold air. The interiors were lavishly decorated, with marble slabs lining the walls and multicolored mosaics adding to the splendor.

The Roman Baths' sophisticated heating system, known as a hypocaust, is a notable feature of the site. This underfloor heating system, using a network of pipes, ensured a comfortable environment throughout the different bathing areas. The richness of the ornamentation and the size of the complex underscore the importance of the thermae in ancient Odessus, both as a place of relaxation and as a social and cultural center.

Today, the Roman Baths of Varna are considered the fourth-largest preserved Roman baths in Europe, following the Baths of Caracalla and Baths of Diocletian in Rome, and the baths of Trier. The site stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Romans and remains a significant cultural and historical attraction in Varna, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants.