Hisarya

Hisarya is one of the most famous balneological resorts in Bulgaria. 22 mineral springs take their source from the town. In the time of the Roman empire, the town (back then called Augusta) was a major healing center, having emperor palaces, wide stone streets, marble baths, many statues of Roman gods and rich verdure. In the III century it was burnt down by the Goths, and in the IV century was restored. Over the period V-VI century, as a part of the Byzantine empire, the town reached its zenith. In the time of the Ottoman invasion, it showed firm resistance, which led to its destruction and the mass slaughtering of its population. In the XVII century, the Turkish realized the biggest advantage of the town were its mineral springs. Therefore, they restored the former resort and called it Hisarya (Fortress) because of its numerous stronghold ruins. The antique Roman fortress Augusta in Hisarya is an archeological reserve, and is an excellent sample of antique architecture and art. It is probably the biggest and best preserved monument of its kind in Bulgaria. The fortress wall reaches 2.5 km in length and the height of the ruins reaches 10 m at places. The fortress has 44 towers. Ruins of Roman baths, as well as the arena of the second largest amphitheater found in Bulgaria so far, could be seen in the town.