Travel in Bulgaria

SPA IN BULGARIA

Legend of Hissarya
The Roman Empire was in its prime.
But the emperor was having a bad time.
His beloved and beautiful wife
Was seriously ill and could die.
Doctors came from around the world,,
But no one succeed the empress to cure.
Then came an old man with a flask in his hand,
He said that he came from the Thracian land,
He knelt down beside the sick Empress
And he gave her water from his flask.
Her pain decreased, but to be healed 
A lot more water was needed.
"To Hemus Mountain go
where this healing water flows."
The Emperor thanked the man with white hair.
And for a long trip started to prepare,
But before he left, he asked:
"Old man, how can I repay you back?"
"My people live in those lands,
Be our guest, not a governor instead.”
The emperor quickly agreed.
But his promise he didn’t keep.
The hot healing water cured his wife,
And the emperor started to have a better life.
He felt at home near the springs.
and his own town Augusta there he built.
 
The Thracians were scattered from their homeland,
But until the end of their days
They didn't bow their heads.
And they did not accept the Romans as their masters.

Hissarya is a wonderful place that from centuries attracts people from all around the world. The healing water that springs from 22 springs turns the town into an excellent spa destination. The high fortress walls, dating back thousands of years ago, surround and protect the rich history of the city.

Every visit to Hisarya is a great way to relax all your senses with hot healing water and green ancient parks. The town is situated in Plovdiv region, 2-hours drive from Sofia and has many excellent SPA hotels, among which are my favorite Comfort C Hotel, Sana Hotel, and Chinar Hotel. With so many good SPA-centers it is difficult to get out for a walk, but in fact everything in Hissarya seems to be on walking distance. A restorative walk on the picturesque green alleys of the old town befind the ancient ruins equivalents to a one-hour professional massage.

The name Hissarya comes from the Turkish and Arabic word “hissar”, which means “fortress” and the fortress walls reaching 2315 meters in length are impressive. They used to be over 12 meters high, but even today’s preserved 7 meters are admirable. It’s no wonder that is was here, near the gate called the Camels, where the famous Bulgarian author Ivan Vazov wrote the lovely poem  Dear Homeland, how wonderful you are! (Otechestvo lubezno, kak hubavo si ti!)

Camels may never have passed through the huge southern gate, today 13 meters high, but the remaining stone humps resemble the animals and become their namesakes.

Wherever you go from the fortress walls you will find yourself among greenery and trees. Numerous Roman ruins of baths and ancient buildings are nestled here. The ancient amphitheatre has preserved its spectacular semicircular arena, and a modern summer theatre is built nearby, where concerts and performances continue to be held throughout the year. A wonderful attraction is the spectacle sound and light, which is projected on the southern fortress wall.

The numerous fountains are another landmark of the city, all of them have their own legend and healing water.

With its coziness and beauty, Hissarya can easily stand as one of the world’s top spa destinations. Some magic in the air and hot mineral water, make Hissarya both healing and inspiring.

Hisarya is also a great place for vacations with children, as besides the huge green park surrounded by Roman fortress walls, there are also several excellent playgrounds.

One of our favorites are the one next to the big HISARYA letters, opposite Chinar Hotel, and the other one is further inside the park, near the polyclinic.

If you collect stamps from the 100 Bulgarian National Tourist Sites, you can get two here: Number 67a from the Archaeological Museum or from the Roman Tomb and 67b from the Roman Baths.

Nearby Hissarya, the village of Starosel is located with ancient Thracian tomb, where you can also take stamp number 67.

General information about Hissarya:

Location: Hissarya is located in Plovdiv region, Southern Bulgaria, under the southern slopes of Sredna Gora.

Area: 90,115 sq.km

Population: 7 162 people

Hissarya’s Trip Tips:

Best time to visit:  throughout the year, especially picturesque is the town during festivals, such as Sirni Zagovezni in March, the Ancient Festival at the end of May, or Hissarya’s day in the beginning of June.