Roman Thermae Varna
Hidden in the heart of modern Varna, the Roman Thermae are the silent remnants of Odessos, a bustling Roman city on the Black Sea. Built in the late 2nd century AD, these baths were not merely places to wash — they were centers of social life, leisure, and commerce, where citizens gathered to exercise, relax, and share stories. Covering an area of over 7,000 m², the complex ranks among the largest Roman bathhouses in the Balkans. Its soaring walls, some over 20 meters high, once enclosed a sophisticated system of cold, warm, and hot baths, linked by heated floors and walls known as a hypocaust.
The Thermae were active for roughly a century, surviving until the late 3rd century AD, when the turbulence of war and economic decline led to their abandonment. Rediscovered in the early 20th century by the pioneering Škorpil brothers, the ruins reveal traces of marble floors, vaulted ceilings, and Roman sculptures, a tangible connection to the past.

Tales and Legends
While the Roman Thermae are primarily archaeological, local folklore has imbued the ruins with a mystical aura:
The Whispering Walls: On quiet afternoons, visitors claim they can hear the echoes of ancient voices — Romans conversing, merchants trading, and citizens laughing as they strolled through the bathhouse corridors. Some say it is the walls themselves carrying centuries of memory.
The Healing Waters: Ancient Romans worshipped gods of health, such as Asclepius and Hygieia, in small sanctuaries within the Thermae. Legend holds that lingering near the remains of the cold pools can bring a sense of calm and even physical rejuvenation — as if the ancient waters’ spirit still flows.
The Lost Treasure of Odessos: Tales speak of gold and jewelry hidden beneath the bath floors when invaders threatened the city. Though no treasure has been found, the story adds a sense of adventure and mystery to every visit.
The Phantom Citizen: Local storytellers sometimes tell of a figure in Roman garb wandering the ruins at dusk, a silent reminder of the lives that once animated the baths. It is said that if you meet his gaze, you are granted a fleeting glimpse of the past.

Why Visit the Roman Thermae
Visiting the Roman Thermae is like stepping into history. The massive stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and fragments of ancient mosaics allow visitors to imagine Odessos in its prime — a thriving seaside city where the sea breeze mixed with the warmth of the baths and the murmur of conversation filled the air. Beyond their architectural grandeur, the ruins carry the spirit of human lives long past, blending history and legend in a uniquely haunting experience.
The Roman Thermae are not just ruins; they are a bridge between eras, inviting modern visitors to walk the same steps as Romans who lived, worked, and played on the shores of the Black Sea almost two millennia ago.

Getting There
Address: 13 San Stefano Str., 9000 Varna.

By public transport:
Use city buses 20, 39 or 17A. The nearest stop is “Baseyna”.
From the city centre, you can walk: head along ul. Knyaz Boris I, then turn onto ul. San Stefano. Expected walk ~10‑20 minutes depending on your start point.
By car or taxi: Enter the address into your navigation system, and look for nearby parking (note there are paid parking zones).

If you’re coming from a resort (e.g., Golden Sands) or further out, you might opt for our VIP Tour:

What we offer during the VIP Tour:
Pick‑up from your hotel/resort (Golden Sands, Albena, etc.).
Comfortable minibus for a small group.
Visit of the Roman Thermae, as part of a walking tour of Varna, combined with other local highlights like the Stone Forest, Museum of Mosaics etc. Discover other hidden gems around Varna. See our top-rated excursions.