Aquae Calidae

Welcome to Aquae Calidae, which literally translates from Latin as hot waters. As you stand near the entrance of this remarkable archaeological and wellness complex, located just outside the modern city of Burgas, you are…

We begin our exploration at the foundational layers of the ancient Thracian sanctuary. Look closely at the excavated stonework before you. …

Step forward into the exposed grid of the Roman ruins. What you are observing here is the spectacular back-end engineering of a Roman bathhouse, built to harness the natural geothermal energy of Aquae Calidae. …

Move carefully toward the section of the ruins dating to the early medieval period. As the Roman Empire fractured and transformed into the Byzantine Empire, the fortunes of this site fluctuated, but the magnetic pull of the…

We now transition from the exposed archaeological trenches to a beautifully preserved enclosed structure. Step through the entrance and look up at the magnificent vaulted ceilings. …

Remain inside the Ottoman bathhouse and direct your attention toward the central vaulted ceiling. In this restored space, the museum curators have installed a magnificent 3D projection mapping system. …

As we exit the historical structures, turn your gaze toward the contemporary facilities that neighbor the archaeological park. You are looking at the modern thermal spa complex of Aquae Calidae. …

As we conclude our audio tour of Aquae Calidae, take a moment to look back over the entire complex—from the deep Thracian excavations to the grand Ottoman dome, and finally to the shimmering waters of the modern pools. This site…