The Healing Waters of Bulgaria

Mineral water springs hold a special place in many cultures across the globe, and rightfully so. Their numerous health benefits have been studied and observed over the course of centuries, and the naturally warm and soothing baths heal both the body and the mind. There is a large concentration of mineral water springs in Bulgaria, the majority of which are located in the south. They were utilized by the Thracians, who built balneotherapy centers and even whole settlements around them. With the spread of the Roman Empire to Thrace, along came their renowned bathhouses. Mineral water springs remained significant after the founding of Bulgaria, during the times of the Ottoman invasion, and all the way to modern times. Some of the most notable mineral water resorts are in the region around Plovdiv. Here is a basic introduction into the world of mineral water and where you can enjoy it to its fullest.

Hisarya

Hisarya is a mineral water resort, home to numerous balneotherapy complexes where people from all over the country come to be treated for kidney stone disease, gall stones, conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and more. Intricate water fountains built into the springs allow people to collect the warm, healing waters. Visitors can also enjoy the many SPA centers and swimming pools. There are a total of 22 mineral water springs on the territory of the resort, and the temperature of the water ranges from 41 to 52 degrees Celsius. 

The history of Hisarya dates back to the Neolithic era, in the 5th millennium BC. It was later settled by the Thracians, who built religious healing sanctuaries known as nymphaeums around its springs. Sadly, they have all been lost to the ages. In the year 46 AD, it fell into the hands of the Romans and was named Auguste. Legend has it that the wife of a great emperor fell deathly ill, and no healer could help her. Hearing word of this misfortune, an elderly Thracian came to visit the Emperor and examine the Empress. He pressed a hand just under her gallbladder, and a pained scream tore from her throat. The Thracian turned to the emperor and told him thus: “Take her to the hot springs a day’s journey away from the river Hebros, and have her drink from and bathe in their water.” In return for his sage counsel he only asked that the Emperor live in peace with his Thracian brethren by the springs. The Emperor followed his advice, and a miracle happened – the Empress bathed in the hot springs and drank from their waters and gradually her health was restored. The Emperor built a beautiful city around the healing springs and called it Auguste. He was unable to keep his promise and live in peace with the Thracians that had settled by the springs before the Romans, and unwilling to break his promise to the wise old man. The Thracians always gave the Romans the same answer: “These lands are ours. You may come if disease befalls you, but as our guests, not our masters.”

It was during the reign of Emperor Diocletian that it reached its peak. Drawn by the mineral water springs, the emperor himself settled here, Auguste was renamed Diocletianopolis and under his rule it grew and flourished. The city’s famous wall was built in this period, but that is far from his only legacy. The thermae – large Roman bathhouses – built by Diocletian are today amongst the few preserved thermae in the Balkans. Some of them are intact almost up to their roofs. The city continued to prosper as part of the Roman Empire, then the Byzantine Empire, then after the founding of Bulgaria and all the way up to the Ottoman invasion, when it was razed to the ground. It would not be revived until the latter half of the 17th century, when the small town of Hisarya was founded atop the ancient ruins.

Banya

Literally called “Bath”, also known as Karlovo’s Mineral Baths due to its proximity to Karlovo, Banya is also notable for the production of rose, lavender and mint oil and products. The feature that has earned it its name, however, is its status as a year-round mineral water resort. The mineralization of the water is light, and it is suitable for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases, conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, neurological, and skin conditions. Banya has a specialized rehabilitation center, pools, SPA hotels that specialize in balneotherapy, 9 hydrothermal sources and mineral springs scattered throughout its territory.

Devin

Located in the Central Rhodopes, the natural sights of Devin are abundant – mountain ridges, gorges, rock formations, caves, protected areas and reserves, eco-trails, and some of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in the Rhodopes, including the Trigrad Gorge, Yagodina cave and the Devil’s Throat, and the fascinating natural phenomenon called the Drunken Forest. Amidst all this beauty and wonder, the mineral water springs still manage to stand out and attract people from all corners of the country. The benefits of the mineral water can be felt both through balneotherapy and consumption, and it is recommended for people with conditions affecting the nervous and motor systems. Devin’s SPA hotels are well-equipped and employ highly skilled specialists. The treatment programs are based off the patient’s individual needs. The SPA centers are suitable for people who are just looking to relax and indulge themselves as well as those with health conditions.

Velingrad

Boasting more than 80 mineral water springs, Velingrad is the largest mineral water resort in Bulgaria. It is located in the Western Rhodopes. Its mineral water springs are recommended for people with pulmonary, gynaecological and neurological conditions, as well as diseases affecting the joints. The water has a positive effect on the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems, and benefits the muscles, bones and joints. The town itself gives you plenty of opportunity to experience the healing properties of the water, with over 10 indoor and outdoor public pools, 6 mineral water baths, 43 sanatoriums and 50 hotels. The temperature of the water ranges from 26 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Haskovo

Famed throughout the Roman Empire as a balneotherapy center, Haskovo’s mineral baths continue to be just as significant today. At 57 degrees Celsius with a neutral pH (7.22), the water of Haskovo’s mineral baths is hypethermal, and its unique mineral components make it suitable for treating conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system and motor system. This is also one of the 5 resorts in the world known for effectively treating Buerger’s disease.