Hisar
It is located 12 km from Banya /15 minutes/.
History of the town of Hisar. Only under the Romans did Hisar become a large town and resort. It was built according to all the requirements of Roman urban planning — with wide and straight streets, decorated with statues of gods and goddesses, with marble baths, beautiful palaces and villas for the Roman aristocracy. To be protected from enemy attacks, the town was surrounded by a fortress wall, raised by the skilled hands of Thracian masters. It is one of the best preserved monuments of this type not only in Bulgaria, but on the whole Balkan Peninsula!
The numerous archaeological excavations also speak of a rich cultural life. One of the most visited and beloved public places in Diocletianopolis was the amphitheatre. It is located in the central town park. Gladiator fights and fights between animals were held there. After the 4th century, with the introduction of Christianity, the bloody scenes were banned and the amphitheatre became a centre for holding sports games.
Treatment with mineral water in Hisar was closely connected with the worship of the health-giving deities: Asclepius, Hygia, Telesphorus and the three nymphs. In all likelihood there was a nymphaeum /sanctuary of the nymphs/ in the town. This is confirmed by the many monuments discovered here. Medical care was provided by priest-doctors, who held important positions in the administration.
The excavations of the ancient Roman baths also speak of this unique wealth — mineral water. These were impressive buildings for their time. The floors and walls were made of marble, there were rooms for hot and cold baths, places for rest and conversation. There is no doubt that the ancient Romans adored the mineral baths, which they used both for treatment and for social contact. The pool, built directly over the “Toplitsa” spring, was 15 m long, 5 m wide and 1.40 m deep. In special rooms the priests performed healing procedures after bathing. The warm water was also used for heating. Special clay pipes carried the warm water under the marble floor slabs, and the steam went upward between the double walls. A very clever water and steam heating system! In Arabic, Hisar means “fortress”.
Legends: The “Naked Woman” fountain is a local landmark. The legend says that this beautiful Bulgarian woman refused to become the concubine of a Turkish bey. To humiliate her, he made her serve the guests naked. The girl did so, but when she stood before him she brought the heavy tray of sweets down on his head and killed him. For her act she was sentenced to burn at the stake. When the flames enveloped her naked body, two warm tears fell from her eyes... That is why one of the mineral springs is called “Maiden's Tear”.
The legend of why the town of Hisar remained small while Plovdiv grew, because
In Hisar it is good to see the museum, to walk along the fortress wall, where the place where the gate was looks like 2 camels, and to see the amphitheatre /it is in the park and is a little hard to find/.
Museum working hours: -working hours: 8:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:00, no day off; -ticket price: adults – 1.00 BGN; students – 0.50 BGN; lecture – 6.00 BGN; tour of the town with a guide - 10.00 BGN.