ROMAN THERMAL COMPLEX

The public baths of Odessos count among the most preserved monuments from the Roman presence in Bulgarian lands (1st – 4th c.). These baths are of so-called “small imperial type” and their construction took part during the 2nd c. AD. This is the biggest Roman bath complex on the Balkan Peninsula – spreading on an area of 7000 m2. In addition it is the fourth in size in Europe – immediately after the Caracala and Diocletian baths in Rome and the baths in Trevira (Trier, Germany). The baths have been in use until the end of 3rd c. AD. The main entrances are located on eastern and western end of the northern façade. After three steps visitors passed to the eastern or western entry hall (vestibuli). Visitors undressed in two bathing cabins (apoditeria) – the biggest premises in the complex, after the meeting and sports hall (basilica thermarium). The bathing cabins acted as sort of clubs, where visitors spent some time before and after bathing. The thermal complex has other rooms too: hall for bathing with cold water (frigidarium); hall for bathing with cool water (tepidarium); hall for bathing with hot water (caldarium); toilet rooms (latrinae); boiler room (praefurnium) and other.

Together the other public buildings, the thermal complex were very important part of the daily life in Odessos. Since the sixties of 20th c. the complex is considered as architectural monument with national importance.