One of the most impressive monuments of ancient Odessos is the the Roman Baths – a huge complex of public baths built at the end of the 2nd century AD. Today their remains are among the most significant archaeological sites in the city and give an idea of the scale and way of life of the Roman era.
If you are planning a visit to Varna from Sofia, a transfer by car is a convenient way to reach the city directly and begin your walk without unnecessary stops and changes.
The history of the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths were built at the end of the 2nd century AD, when Odessos was developing as an important city of the Roman Empire. The complex covered an area of over 7,000 sq. m, making it the largest known ancient public bath in Bulgaria and the largest on the Balkan Peninsula.
The baths were not just a place to bathe. They were an important part of the public life of Odessos – a place where people met, talked and spent time together.
Particularly impressive are the preserved massive walls, which in places reach around 20–22 metres in height. Even today the size of the complex gives a clear idea of the importance of Odessos in the Roman era.
What did a Roman bath look like?
The architecture of the Roman Baths follows the system of rooms of different temperatures typical of ancient baths. The main halls include caldarium – a room with hot water, tepidarium – the hall with warm air and water, and frigidarium, where bathing ended with cold water.
Heating was provided by a system known as hypocaustum. Hot air circulated beneath the floors, warming the rooms. For its time this was an exceptionally advanced piece of engineering.
The building was richly decorated with marble cladding, columns, capitals and coloured mosaics. Some of the architectural details can still be seen on site today.
Odessos – the city behind the Roman Baths
To understand the importance of the baths, one must look at the history of Odessos itself. The ancient city was founded around 570 BC by Greek settlers from Miletus on the site of an older Thracian settlement. Odessos later became an important trading and port centre.
In the Roman era the city grew, with an aqueduct, sewerage, temples and public buildings built. The Roman Baths are one of the clearest pieces of evidence of the economic and cultural development of Odessos in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
An interesting fact is that the city's water supply was also well developed. Archaeological evidence points to the building of an aqueduct in the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius.
Architecture that impresses even today
The Roman Baths are among the best-preserved ancient architectural complexes in Varna. The plan of the building is almost symmetrical, and the scale of the remains lets visitors imagine how the structure looked nearly two thousand years ago.
Of particular interest are the large halls, the apses, the remains of the heating system and the architectural elements linked to the complex's original decoration.
A walk among the ruins is different from a visit to a standard museum – here history is in front of you at full scale, among the walls of the ancient building itself.
What else to visit in Varna?
A visit to the Roman Baths can easily be combined with other sights in central Varna:
- Archaeological Museum – Varna – one of the most important places for getting to know the history of the city and the region.
- the Sea Garden – a good place for a walk after visiting the ancient sites.
- Naval Museum – Varna – an interesting choice for lovers of maritime history.
- Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin – one of the emblematic buildings of the city.
- The central pedestrian zone – a pleasant way to continue your walk towards the Sea Garden and the sea.
Transfer from Sofia Airport to the Roman Baths in Varna
For a journey from Sofia to Varna you can choose a direct transfer from Sofia Airport to the Roman Baths in Varna, without having to change between several types of transport after you arrive.
With a pre-arranged transfer you can travel directly from Sofia Airport to Varna, with the Roman Baths or another address in the city as your final destination. It is a practical option for individual tourists as well as families and groups.
A comfortable journey to Varna with Tsenov Group
With Tsenov Group you can arrange a direct transfer from Sofia Airport to Varna and back. The journey suits tourists, families, groups of friends and groups who want to reach Varna without complicated transport arrangements.
If the Roman Baths are just one stop in your programme, you can combine the transfer with visits to other sights in the city or with transport to a hotel, resort or another address.
For information and bookings:
0888 867 779 / 0887 606 185
