Hisarya Roman Baths
Plovdiv
Hisarya Roman Baths, located in the town of Hisarya in Bulgaria, are part of the ancient Roman city of Diocletianopolis, named after Emperor Diocletian who elevated its status in 293 AD. The site is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved defensive walls, which remain close to their original height over much of their 2.3 km length, making them among the tallest and best-preserved Roman city walls in Europe. The city was built around natural hot mineral springs, which still feed the thermal baths where water was used for heating rather than furnaces, an unusual feature for Roman thermae. The archaeological park includes remains of an amphitheatre, Roman barracks, richly decorated tombs, and foundations of some of Bulgaria’s oldest churches, reflecting the city’s significance as a cultural and religious center in late antiquity. Excavations continue to reveal more of the city's layout and structures, many of which lie beneath a central green park. Visitors can explore the baths, the fortress gates, and the museum that houses artifacts from the site, offering a glimpse into the life and architecture of a thriving Roman provincial city.
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Tip: The best time to visit Hisarya Roman Baths is during spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking around the archaeological park. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking the official museum website for special events or festivals, such as the Ancient Festival in April, is recommended. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive ruins and consider guided tours for deeper historical context. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The site is open year-round, but opening hours vary seasonally, so verify in advance.
Interesting facts
- •The city walls of Diocletianopolis are among the tallest and best-preserved Roman city walls in Europe, standing up to 11 meters high.
- •The thermal baths were heated uniquely by channeling hot spring water through the rooms, rather than using furnaces as was typical in Roman baths.
- •The amphitheatre within the city walls has an unusual pear shape and was used for sports competitions and animal fights following Christian prohibitions on bloodshed.
- •Five necropolises have been discovered outside the city, with richly decorated tombs featuring frescoes and mosaics open to the public.
- •The city was a major Roman resort visited by emperors such as Septimius Severus and Diocletian due to its healing mineral springs.
History
The site of Hisarya has been inhabited since as early as 6000 BC, initially by Thracian settlers attracted by the hot mineral springs.
By the 4th and 5th centuries BC, it became a major trading center with Greek cities.
After Roman conquest in the 1st century AD, the settlement was developed as a Roman city, initially named Augusta.
Emperor Diocletian visited and renamed the city Diocletianopolis in 293 AD, raising its official status.
The city walls were constructed in the early 4th century as a defense against Gothic invasions.
It flourished as a resort town until its decline following the fall of the Moesian Limes and was eventually destroyed during Slavic migrations at the end of the 6th or beginning of the 7th century.
The ruins later became the foundation for the modern town of Hisarya.
Place Guide
City Wallsearly 4th century
The defensive walls encircle the ancient city, extending 2.3 km with heights reaching up to 11 meters. They include 44 towers, four main gates, and six smaller entrances. The walls are among the best-preserved Roman fortifications in Europe, featuring a unique double wall on the northern side to repel Gothic invasions.
Roman Baths (Thermae)mid-2nd to 4th century AD
These baths are fed by natural hot mineral springs and are notable for their original heating system using the spring water itself instead of furnaces. The complex includes intact swimming pools and rooms from multiple construction phases dating from the mid-2nd to 4th centuries AD, showcasing advanced Roman engineering and therapeutic practices.
Amphitheatre3rd century AD
Located near the city center within the walls, this irregular pear-shaped amphitheatre was built in the 3rd century AD. It hosted sporting events and animal fights that complied with Christian prohibitions on spilling blood, reflecting the city's religious transition.
Roman Tombsecond half of 4th century AD
A richly decorated tomb from the second half of the 4th century AD, featuring beautiful frescoes and floor mosaics. Built underground with large stone blocks and a long passage, it was used twice and is open to the public today.