The Roman Thermae of Varna are one of the most valuable cultural monuments of the city. They can be found at the intersection of Han Krum and San Stefano streets. In 1968 they were declared an architectural and construction monument of national culture.
The public thermae (ancient baths) of Odesos are the best preserved monument of Roman culture in Bulgaria and today are the object of the Varna Archaeological Museum. These baths, measuring 7000 square metres, are the largest in the entire Balkan Peninsula and the fourth largest in Europe. They were built at the end of the 2nd century and were used until the end of the 3rd century.
The thermae include west and east lobbies, changing rooms, meeting and exercise rooms, separate rooms for hot, warm and cold water dousing, a boiler room, toilets and many other rooms. The construction of the thermae utilises a curious heating system, in which warm air is supplied to the roof part of the building through cavities under the floor.
Visitors wishing to learn more about this architectural monument can book a guide (by contacting the Archaeological Museum in advance) or purchase guidebooks at the shopping pavilion near the entrance to the thermae.
