Starozagorski bani: Thermal Waters and History

Starozagorski bani lies on the southern slopes of Sarnena Gora, 370 metres above sea level. Thermal waters define the spa resort; archaeological traces and folk culture add to its character. Accommodation includes hotels and rest centres offering preventive and restorative treatments; the mix may change over time.

Thermal Waters and Bathing Culture

The hot mineral waters are used for spa treatments and balneotherapy. They emerge from three springs in Triassic dolomite and limestone. The mineral water is described as having a temperature of 42 °C, a pH of 9.4 and a total mineralisation of 0.55 g/l. The mineral water that emerges at the surface is reported to be about 40 °C, with a flow rate of 13.6 litres per second.

There is also a public bath in the resort. A notice dated 23 December 2022 gives the temperature of its mineral water as about 40 °C. Check the current opening hours before visiting. This helps put the special role of water in the resort into context without conflating the general description of the thermal springs with the bath’s visiting conditions.

Archaeological Traces in the Resort

The resort contains remains from Thracian and Roman times, including bathing rooms and pools made of translucent marble. A prehistoric settlement mound lies in the centre, beside the mineral springs and the bath building. It dates from the sixth to fourth millennium BC. An extant inscription dates the Roman baths beside the mound to AD 162–163.

The traces of time therefore reach far beyond the history of Roman bathing: the settlement mound belongs to a much earlier period than the baths dated by the inscription. Those interested in the resort’s development will find different historical points of reference close together here; the dates tell of prehistoric settlement as well as Roman bathing culture.

Folklore in August and Bogorodichna Stapka

The National Thracian Folklore Gathering “Bogorodichna Stapka” takes place every August. It is dedicated to preserving Bulgarian folk traditions and customs. Its stages are located in the central parks of Starozagorski bani; their layout and programme may vary from one edition to another. The programme includes tastings of traditional “Grandma’s recipes,” an exhibition of traditional Bulgarian dishes and the “Street of Crafts” bazaar, with demonstrations of traditional skills. If you would like to plan your stay around the gathering, check the dates and programme for the relevant year.

The name Bogorodichna Stapka also refers to a natural rock about one kilometre north of the resort centre. An indentation in the rock resembles a human footprint; the water in it does not dry up. The small Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno Chapel stands beside the rock. The name thus appears both in the annual folklore gathering and in the landscape, where it refers to a specific rock and the neighbouring chapel.

Park, Lake and Trails

The centre has a large park with a lake, used as a recreation area throughout the year. There are several eco-trails and marked routes in Sarnena Sredna Gora. The park and lake in the resort centre, along with trails in the surrounding area, offer different ways to spend time outdoors. Starozagorski bani has a transitional continental climate with a mild mountain influence.

Discover more destinations: Bogomilovo

Go to the main travel overview: Stara Zagora.