Varna City - The Roman Thermae
October 2nd, 2007
Located in the Southeastern part of modern Varna, just by Eurolink’s offices, the Roman Thermae was built upon more than 7000 sq.m. and used to be the largest antic public building in Bulgaria. The architectural style and some discovered coins provide information that the construction work took place in the end of the second - beginning of the third century AC. During the relatively peaceful second century Odessos (Varna today) grew into a major economical and cultural centre of the Black Sea coast and the Roman province Moesia Inferior. Close to the end of the century the blossoming city could afford the enormous construction and maintenance operations. The daily life of the Roman citizens included visits to the baths called thermae. They were also equipped with gymnastics and sport halls, called palaestras, meeting and discussing halls, relaxation room, etc. In addition to the indoor hall, the thermae had a featured real palaestra - a big yard, surrounded with columns and shops. The palaestra is in the north part of the baths and stairs lead from it to the main hall.
The building itself was about 20 meters high (the preserved part of it nowadays - the Roman tower is 18 m high), constructed from both stones and bricks. The outer walls and the halls were decorated with marble columns, ornaments and other architectural elements. Another feature is the number of statues of distinguished citizens and Roman gods, built up together with the needed fountains. The social and political crisis from 3rd century caused damages in the Roman Empire and Odessos, as a part of it. The maintenance of the baths became very expensive and they were gradually left without proper care. The stone material and decorative elements were taken and used for the construction of other buildings, including the small baths of Odessos from the 6th century.
