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Early Byzantine Baths of Nessebar

Explore the ancient Roman Baths of Nessebar, a window into the town's rich Byzantine past and architectural ingenuity dating back to the 6th century.

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Explore the ruins of the Early Byzantine Baths in Nessebar, built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. These ancient Roman baths offer a glimpse into the town's rich history and advanced engineering, featuring remnants of warm premises, a central hall, and a sophisticated water-conduit system.

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  • ul. Mitropolitska 17, Nessebar, Staria Grad, 8231, BG
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Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain of the ancient ruins.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Church of St. John the Baptist for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Early Byzantine Baths are located in the heart of Old Nessebar, making them easily accessible on foot from most points within the old town. From the entrance of the Old Town, near the Western Fortress Wall, walk along Mitropolitska Street. The baths are situated near the Church of St. John the Baptist. There are no specific costs associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Old Nessebar, the bus stop is located near the Western Fortress Wall. From there, follow Mitropolitska Street towards the center of the old town. The Early Byzantine Baths will be a short walk from the bus stop, located near the Church of St. John the Baptist. A single bus fare within Nessebar and surrounding areas typically costs around 4 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Nessebar, and a short ride from the New Town to the Early Byzantine Baths in the Old Town will typically cost between 7.6 BGN to 10 BGN, depending on the distance and time of day. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. The baths are located on Mitropolitska Street, near the Church of St. John the Baptist.

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The Early Byzantine Baths of Nessebar, also known as the Roman Baths, stand as a testament to the town's layered past and the ingenuity of Byzantine engineering. Constructed in the 6th century AD during the rule of Emperor Justinian I (527-565), these baths served as a vital part of the city's social and cultural life. Excavations have revealed approximately two-thirds of the bath complex, showcasing five warm premises, two with semi-circular pools, a central hall, and a corridor. The remaining section lies beneath the modern streets and houses. The walls, built in the 'opus mixtum' style with alternating stone and brick lines, were once adorned with marble. The central hall is particularly striking, featuring four massive marble columns with Corinthian capitals that supported a cruciform dome, and a floor covered in marble pavement. Water was supplied to the baths via a dedicated water-conduit, part of an extensive underground system built in the 5th and 6th centuries to serve the entire town. The baths functioned until the end of the 8th century, after which they were repurposed for housing and agricultural activities, including the construction of limekilns in the central hall. Historical accounts even suggest that Emperor Constantine IV Pogonat sought healing for his legs here in 680 AD. The site was discovered during excavations in 1973-1975 and 1998-2001 and has since been partially restored and conserved. Today, visitors can wander through the partially restored ruins, imagining the bustling activity that once filled these halls. The baths offer a tangible link to Nessebar's Byzantine heritage and are a must-see for history enthusiasts.

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