Story
The Bulgarian city of Hisar, once called Augusta, Diocletianopolis, Alexiopolis, Toplitsa, has a rich history. Favorable climatic conditions and an abundance of thermal springs made this city attractive for living back in ancient times.
The healing properties of mineral water were known to the Thracians, who founded a city in these lands on the site of an ancient Neolithic settlement. The Romans, who came here in the 1st century, laid water supply and sewerage systems in the city, and built baths (or baths) on the thermal springs. Emperor Diocletian, who visited the city at the end of the 3rd century, ordered to surround the city with a fortress wall and declared the thermal springs the property of the emperor.
The first chemical analysis of mineral water in Bulgaria was carried out in Hisar. In 1882, the government of Eastern Rumelia issued the “Regulations on the operation of Hissar baths”, in connection with which, in the Plovdiv laboratory of the health council, the Czech chemist Sosterzhonek studied the properties of water from five sources of Hissar. Thanks to the healing properties of mineral water, the city gained fame and became a popular balneological resort.
Currently, there are 22 mineral springs located in Hisar; they all have different physicochemical characteristics and temperatures.
Colonnade
One of the attractions of the ancient Bulgarian resort town of Hisar, famous for its natural thermal springs with healing mineral water, is the Colonnade, built in the historical center of Hisar in 1960; this building is an exact copy of an ancient colonnade erected during the Roman Empire.
Ancient baths
In 1935, during archaeological excavations on the territory of the ancient fortress of Diakletianople, the ruins of Roman baths dating back to the 4th century were discovered. The walls, 1-2 meters thick, were built of stone and lined with white marble. Due to the natural properties of thermal springs, the baths had hot and cold water. Inside there were rooms for relaxation, two swimming pools, and special rooms in which massage was carried out using healing ointments. One of the rooms was called the Nymphaeum, or sanctuary of the nymphs; Here they worshiped deities guarding springs with healing water. The baths had a heating system: hot water flowed through ceramic pipes built under the marble tiles on the floor and between the double walls, and thus the room was heated.
Thermal springs
Mineral water from the Momina Banya spring with a temperature of 470C has the highest level of radon; it is slightly mineralized, colorless and odorless, and pleasant to the taste. This water is suitable for the treatment of kidney and urological diseases, as well as musculoskeletal disorders. The water is slightly mineralized, colorless and odorless, with a pleasant taste. Momina Banya was one of the springs explored in 1882.
Mineral water from the Momina Sleza spring is also slightly mineralized, but contains many useful trace elements, including manganese, zinc, cobalt, copper, etc. This water, with a temperature of 420C, is used mainly to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In the pavilion where the Momina Tear spring is located, there is a Stublata fountain, the water in which does not exceed 310C and is used for washing the eyes.
Near the Momina Tear spring there are several more springs with different chemical compositions and temperatures. At the Toplitsa spring, with a water temperature of 510C, the first bathhouse was built during the Roman Empire. Water from this source is used to treat various gynecological diseases. Nearby is the Bistrita spring, with a water temperature of 450C, which is used only for swimming. This water is suitable for treating skin diseases. Opposite is the Spring Freshness spring with water temperatures of 37-410C. This water is used mainly to treat neuroses.
IN Varna, Nessebar and Sofia (Bulgaria) - this is reality!
Hisarya is a small resort town in the central part of Bulgaria with a population of about 10,000 people, located 160 kilometers east of the capital of Bulgaria Sofia and 42 kilometers north of the city of Plovdiv. Accordingly, the capital Vrazhdebna Airport (Sofia) is about 160 km away, and in winter you can use Krumovo Airport (Plovdiv), which is about 50 km away.
Mineral springs The balneological resort of Hisar has attracted people here since ancient times. Archaeological excavations have shown that settlements existed near Hisar mineral springs as early as 5,000 years before the birth of Christ. In 293, the Roman Emperor Diocletian visited the village, surrounded it with a fortress wall (it has survived to this day) and declared the hot springs the property of the emperor. During the reign of the Romans, the city on the site of Hissar was called Diocletianopolis, in honor of the Emperor Diocletian. The resort of Hissar had a special status under Roman rule due to the fact that many mineral springs were already discovered on its territory at that time. It was famous as a resort for the Roman nobility with many marble baths. The Baths of Augusta were also located here - the largest in the Balkans. In 1976, a national archaeological reserve was created in Hisar, which included monuments from the Roman period.
Climate- moderate continental. The resort is protected from cold air masses by mountain ranges. Winter is warm and soft, snowless. Spring is early. The average monthly temperature in summer is plus 22? C. Average annual air humidity - 70%. There are two wet maximums - June and November. The maximum number of sunny days per year is 280.
Today in Hisar They use mineral water for treatment, which contains fluorine, metasilicic acid and radon. Water temperature from 37 to 52? C. Water, which is extracted from mineral springs, has a pleasant taste, is odorless and colorless and is used to treat a wide range of ailments. The most famous is the spring in the Momina Banya area with radioactive alkaline water.
There are 22 mineral springs on the territory of Hisarya:
- temperature from 24 to 49 C
- transparent, colorless, with a pleasant taste and odorless
- low-mineralized (200-270 mg/l - salt content)
- magmatic and infiltration origin associated with the formation of mountain ranges
- sodium bicarbonate, sulfate, rich in metasilicic acid, fluorine
- radon (10-165 Um)
- pH - 7.6-9.02
- Contains more than 20 types of microelements
There are 22 mineral springs here with clean, tasty, slightly mineralized water, which can be used for both drinking and bathing. She treats numerous diseases (kidney, liver, bile, gastritis, diabetes, gout).
Modern balneological hospitals offer a high level of service. The most famous mineral The source of Hisarya is Momina Banya. It contains the substance radon, and its temperature reaches 47°C, which made it suitable for treatment of renal-urological diseases and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Along with the listed diseases, those who wish to undergo course of treatment in the field of gynecology, digestive tract, getting rid of diseases associated with metabolism, liver and gallbladder diseases, skin diseases, respiratory system of the body. Also mined here therapeutic mud, and when using mud therapy, the quality of the healing process increases. Mud used for treatments, including allergies and eczema.
The city has several drinking pump rooms, balneotherapy clinics, many sanatoriums, dozens of recreation centers, hundreds of private hotels, and a large mineral beach.
- Treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system
- Treatment of diseases of the nervous system
- Treatment of diseases of the urinary system
- Treatment of skin diseases at balneological and mud resorts
- Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- Treatment of respiratory system diseases
Hisarya – a very quiet, cozy and green town, it is famous for its beautiful parks, with a total area of 100 hectares of land. There are 300 species of vegetation growing here, among which you can find species from all over the world - magnolias, ginkgo biloba, ager, paulownia, albizia and others. The first park, built in 1892 near the former mineral baths "Topolitsa", is the work of the Swiss engineer Chevalias. Beautiful parks are located near source "Momina Banya", near the Summer Theater, as well as on the territory of the treatment and rehabilitation base of the Ministerial Council. On the outskirts of the city there is a belt of mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests - an excellent basis for many places for relaxation. In addition, the city of Hisarya is known for its ancient architectural sights, which are the heritage of the many peoples who inhabited this land.
Hissar resort It is considered one of the largest balneological Bulgarian resorts of international level. The resort has balneological clinics, sanatoriums, recreation centers, and many dachas, both private and departmental. The resort of Hisarya has mineral beach. Modern fitness centers allow you to improve your health using the most modern methods.
Almost every resort hotel has a SPA center or balneological complex. Treatment procedures can be completed regardless of where you live.
Composition of mineral waters at the resort of Hisar:
Spring "Momina Banya" - Hisar resort
Water - sodium, moderately radioactive, fluoride.
- Physico-chemical characteristics: pH 9.1, Flow rate 40 l/s,
- Metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) 59 mg/l, Mineralization 0.27 g/l, Radon (Rn) 592 Bq/l, Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) 1.5 mg/l, Temperature 52 C
- Anions: Carbonate (СО3 2?) 6 mg/l, Sulfate (SO4 2-) 36 mg/l, Fluorine (F-) 5 mg/l, Hydrocarbonate (HCO3-) 85 mg/l, Chloride (Cl -) 9 mg/l
- Cations: Potassium (K+) 1.6 mg/l, Calcium (Ca2+) 4 mg/l, Lithium (Li+) 0.3 mg/l, Sodium (Na+) 60 mg/l
Source "Momina Salza" - Hisar resort
The water is hydrothermal, hydrocarbonate-sodium, contains radon, slightly radioactive, fluorine.
- Physico-chemical characteristics: Flow rate 1.7 l/s, Metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) 41.4 mg/l,
- Mineralization 0.23 g/l, Temperature 41.0 C
- Anions: Carbonate (СО3 2?) 18.0 mg/l, Sulfate (SO4 2-) 31.5 mg/l, Hydrocarbonate (HCO3-) 75.0 mg/l, Chloride (Cl -) 7.0 mg/ l
- Cations: Potassium (K+) 28.0 mg/l, Calcium (Ca2+) 4.9 mg/l, Sodium (Na+) 28.0 mg/l
"Parilkite" spring - Hissar resort
Water – low-mineralized, hydrocarbonate-sulfate, chlorine, sodium, fluorine-silicon, with an alkaline reaction.
Colorless and odorless, has a pleasant taste.
Mineral water is used as table water, suitable for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, renal-urological, gall bladder, metabolism, gynecological diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and chronic intoxication (heavy metals, pharmaceutical products).
- Physico-chemical characteristics: pH 8.9, Flow rate 3 l/s,
- Metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) 48.3 mg/l, Mineralization 214.9 g/l, Temperature 43 C
- Anions: Sulfate (SO4 2-) 28.3 mg/l, Fluorine (F-) 4.2 mg/l, Hydrocarbonate (HCO3-) 66.7 mg/l, Chloride (Cl -) 7.1 mg/l
- Cations: Potassium (K+) 1.7 mg/l, Calcium (Ca2+) 5.2 mg/l, Sodium (Na+) 53.4 mg/l
Indications for treatment at Hissar resort: diseases of the urinary system(kidney stones, chronic inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and bladder, inflammation of the urinary tract, chronic prostatitis), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract(stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, chronic stomatitis, chronic pharyngitis, digestive disorders and lack of appetite, chronic colitis, constipation, functional gastrointestinal neuroses), liver and gallbladder diseases(chronic hepatitis, gallstones, chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, functional disorders of biliary excretion, chronic pancreatitis, condition after infectious hepatitis and postoperative condition after removal of the gallbladder), gynecological diseases(infertility of inflammatory origin in women, chronic inflammatory processes in women, shifts in the menstrual cycle), (rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, diseases of muscles and tendons, ankylosing spondylitis, post-traumatic conditions), neurological diseases(vegetative dystonia, neuritis, radiculoneuritis, plexitis, polyneoritis, polyradiculoneuritis), (chronic sinusitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, chronic bronchitis), vascular diseases(occupational arteriopathy, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease), diseases of the venous system- varicose veins and chronic phlebitis (3 months after the acute stage), (skin allergies, psoriasis, eczema), metabolic diseases(diabetes, gout, obesity).
Hisarya resort offers many options for entertainment and sports: swimming in outdoor and indoor mineral pools, tennis, volleyball, basketball, cycling, horse riding, motocross, paintball and others, as well as opportunities for hunting and fishing. Local beaches and mineral water pools are very popular among the Bulgarians themselves. From Hisarya you can take a walk through the wonderful nature of these places. The winemaking traditions of these places provide the opportunity to taste wines from local cellars
The city of Hisar is the final railway station on the local railway line Dolna Mahala - Hisar (a branch of the Plovdiv - Karlovo railway line). The bus station and railway station are located nearby in the western part of the city.
The Hissar resort is open all year round and is ideal for both adults and children.
Today there are many modern spa and balneological centers at spa resortsHisarya, Sandanski, Kyustendil, Sofia,
I’ll briefly finish with “what I liked” (I apparently reached the text length limit in “what I liked”, and there my flow of words stopped)) The Hissar Hotel fully met our expectations. It, the parks of Hisarya, blooming at this time and full of birds, water sources, ruins of a Roman fortress, etc. create a wonderful atmosphere for a leisurely “resort” holiday. 5-maximum 10 days is enough - you will leave calm and healthier. "MINUSES". 1. It is clear that the hotel as a whole and the equipment in the rooms are many years old. This style of the 80s of the 20th century will irritate some. We are not there, but I warn you... 2. On weekends, a lot of people come and it becomes a little noisier. 3. The audibility between the rooms is “Bulgarian” (those who have been to hotels in Bulgaria will understand). Even if I wanted to, I can’t remember any more “negative” things. Last year, 2018, we were in another hotel (also 4 stars, junior suite, not far from Hissar). Almost the same prices, but the difference (in favor of “Hisar”) is undeniable. I definitely recommend it. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them, about Bansko too. Sincerely, Vladimir
Good day to those reading this review! My wife and I lived at the Hisar Hotel in the Deluxe building from March 16th to 26th, 2019. We came from Bansko, where we spend several months in the winter and summer in the mountains (skiing, hiking in the summer). In Bansko-sport. In Hisar - complete relaxation + mineral water for internal organs and appearance)). Specifically about the hotel. 1. Friendly, Russian and English-speaking staff to varying degrees (we made a mistake when ordering - we ordered a double room, but for one person. Everything was immediately corrected, recalculated - the price changed by a penny, and the issue was closed). 2.Wonderful spacious room with a loggia and a view of the expanses of Bulgaria with mountains on the horizon. Bathroom with shower and bath, heated. Daily (we refused) change of robes and towels. Nice bed linen. Small refrigerator. It's for a minibar, but there's plenty of free space for your "eats" if you don't want to go to a restaurant. 3. Breakfast - for every taste. Standard European snacks + a couple of soups + honey in honeycombs + pancakes + (for us this was a pleasant surprise - we are vegans) Lenten menu (delicious porridge, excellent boiled vegetables, etc.). And lunches, although the choice was minimal - 4-5 dishes, quite good, edible food in large portions (and again, soup and the main course - there was a Lenten option). Wonderful indoor pool: 25 meters, 6 lanes, about 2 meters deep. In general, you won’t be able to stand in it and have endless conversations (as often happens). Just swim, which is what we did in the morning (12 double pools, 600 meters, per car, drink a glass of mineral water, and at 9-15 for breakfast). There are two outdoor swimming pools and a jacuzzi outside. One was being repaired, the other was working. People were sunbathing and swimming. The Deluxe building had its own separate SPA: infrared and steam baths, an ice room, a path with contrasting temperature jets and pebbles at the bottom, a “vertical jacuzzi” shower, a pool with mineral water, etc. Not our style, but we started walking and got used to it)))!
Length of stay: March 2019
The town of Hisarya is often considered a place touched by God, giving it magical springs that help in healing many diseases.
There is a thermal deposit here, which includes 22 springs, which are located at a short distance from each other. Water has different physical and chemical characteristics and temperatures, and has proven healing properties.
The first balneological hospital in Bulgaria was built in the city. In 1882, the government of Eastern Rumelia approved the “Code of Rules for the Operation of Hisarya Springs,” and the Czech chemist Sosterzonek carried out a chemical analysis of water taken from five sources in Hisarya in the laboratory of the Sanitary Council in Plovdiv. This was the first chemical analysis of mineral water in Bulgaria.
Each source located here is a true treasure. The water in the springs has different temperatures, helps in the treatment of certain diseases and tells its own mysterious legend...
Source “Momina Banya” It has the highest radon content; its water temperature is 47 degrees. Water has healing properties and helps in the treatment of kidney, urological and musculoskeletal diseases. With low mineralization, colorless and odorless, with a pleasant taste. The first chemical analysis of mineral water in Bulgaria was carried out precisely at the Momina Banya spring. The name “Momina Bath” is associated with a medieval legend, according to which the daughter of a local ruler loved to bathe in a spring located outside the fortress walls. One day the city was attacked by enemies, the fortress gates were closed. The boyar's daughter and her friends remained near the source. To avoid being captured, the girls chose to drown themselves in a warm spring. Legend says that since then you can hear the splash of water at night - a girl comes out of the source...
Mineral water in source “Momina sylza“ also has weak mineralization, but contains many trace elements - manganese, zinc, cobalt, copper, etc. or so-called. metal vitamins. This is the most pleasant-tasting water of all the sources in Hisarya. It is used for drinking purposes to treat mainly diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The water temperature is 42 degrees.
The legend tells that a beautiful Bulgarian girl refused to become a concubine of a Turkish bey. To humiliate her, he forced her to serve food to the guests in the nude. The girl followed the order, but finding herself in front of the Turkish bey, she hit him on the head with a heavy tray of sweets and thus killed him. For this act they decided to execute her by burning her at the stake. As the fire engulfed her naked body, two warm tears flowed from her eyes. In their place, a spring gushed out from under the ground, which people called “Momina sylza” (Tears of a girl). Nowadays, this legend is recreated in a fountain with the image of a naked woman, which is located in the center of the city.
Near the water pavilion there is a stone source of “Stublat”. The water here is the coolest, its temperature is 31 degrees. Water is used to wash the eyes. In this area, within a radius of 200 meters, there are several springs with different contents of chemical elements and different temperatures. 
Toplica- the hottest spring, the water temperature is 51 degrees. On the site of this spring, the first mineral bath was built, which was used back in the Roman era. The water is used for balneological treatment and is suitable for the treatment of gynecological diseases.
There is another one nearby source -Bistrita, with a water temperature of 45 degrees. Used for swimming only. Suitable for the treatment and prevention of skin diseases, refreshes the skin and makes it exceptionally soft and beautiful.
Located opposite source “Svezhest”“. The water temperature in it is 41 degrees, and in the pool it cools down to 37 degrees. Used primarily to treat neurological diseases.
The biggest proof of the healing power of Hisar mineral water is the Kidney Stone Museum at the Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital. The incredible collection dates back to 1981 and includes more than 12,000 kidney stones that were passed during and after spa treatments. Some of the stones were removed through surgery and provided by Professor Pachejiev. Only a small part is currently on display. Among the exhibits you can see the largest kidney stone in Bulgaria, which weighs 560 grams!
The ruins of the largest Roman bath, which were discovered in 1935, are preserved in Hisarya. Archaeologists date its construction to the 4th century. The floor and walls were covered with white Rhodopean marble. The bath complex included rooms with hot and cold water, a place to relax, and two swimming pools (size 15/5 meters and depth 1.40 m). And in other, special rooms, the priests performed healing procedures after bathing - massage and rubbing with incense. There was also a nymphaeum here - a sanctuary of nymphs who were revered as goddesses of water from healing springs. Hot water was also used for heating. Hot water passed through special clay pipes under the marble floor slabs, and hot steam was directed upward, between the double walls. And one curious detail: by decree of Emperor Diocletian, after whom the city was named, an entrance fee for visiting the bathhouse was introduced for the first time in the whole world.
One of the emblems of the city is the Colonnade. It was built in 1960 and is an exact copy of a Roman colonnade. Supplied with mineral water from the Momina Sylza spring. The vault depicts eight ancient gods of health - Iazo, Panacea, Telesphorus, Asclepius, Hygia, Epione, Mochaios and Podalerios. The main crystals contained in the mineral water are symbolically displayed on the roof of the colonnade.
Arriving in Hisarya, do not miss the opportunity to visit the old library-reading room. It was created on November 14, 1904. Ivan Vazov, called the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, gave his personal consent for it to be named after him, and donated his autographed books, as well as books by other authors, for the initial collection. Since then, the original metal seal with his face has been preserved. The library has a rich library collection.
The city of Hisarya is also famous for its beautiful parks, in which about 300 species of plants grow, covering an area of 100 hectares. These include rare plant species from all over the world - magnolia, ginkgo biloba, acerola, paulownia, albizia, etc. The first park, located around the former Toplica mineral bath, was created according to the design of the Swiss engineer Lucien Chevalias in 1892. Beautiful parks are located near the Momina Bath spring, the Summer Theater, and on the territory of the medical and rehabilitation complex of the Council of Ministers.
In the vicinity of the city there are tracts of mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forest, which provide many places for recreation. From the city of Hisarya there are several hiking trails leading to the Sredna Gora ridge and the southern mountain ranges.
Source: wikipedia
LOCATION
Hisarya city is located at an altitude of 364 m above sea level at the southeastern foot of Srednaya Mountain. The city is located 165 km from Sofia and 42 km from Plovdiv. Hisarya is one of the largest Bulgarian balneological resorts of international fame. Hisar is an environmentally friendly city, in an area where there are no industrial plantations and factories. It is known for its many parks and meadows.
SPA and relaxation
The city of Hisarya is famous for its healing mineral water with a temperature between 24° and 49° C and a flow rate of 40 l/sec. There are 22 mineral springs with clean, tasty, slightly mineralized water, which can be used for drinking and bathing. It treats numerous diseases (kidney, liver, bile, gastritis, diabetes, gout). The most famous is the spring in the Momina Banya area with radioactive alkaline water. Therapeutic mud is also used for medical procedures, massages and therapies. The resort has many sanatoriums and hospitals, recreation centers and a mineral beach.
Attractions
Archaeological excavations have shown that settlements existed near Hissar mineral springs as early as 5000 BC. Later the Thracians settled here, then the Romans. In 293, the Roman Emperor Diocletian visited the village, surrounded it with a fortress wall (it has survived to this day) and declared the hot springs the property of the emperor. The city received the name Diocletianopolis and turned into a famous resort where Roman patricians vacationed. The city reached full prosperity in the 5th-6th centuries - at the same time 9 of its basilicas were built. In 1976, a national archaeological reserve was created in Hisarya, which included monuments from the Roman period. The symbol of the city is the remains of the Hisar fortress from the 4th century. The fortress walls are 2200 m long, about 3 m thick and 10 m high. The fortress has 43 towers and gates. The main gate was the southern one, the so-called “Kamilite” (camels). This gate, like the western gate, has been preserved to this day. Now the city is declared an archaeological reserve. 5 ancient tombs were found in the archaeological complex. The most famous of which is the Hisar Tomb - a Roman family tomb from the 4th century.
Surroundings
The town of Hisarya is the starting point of tourist routes in Srednaya Gora to tourist houses. An impressive Thracian temple was found during archaeological work near the village of Starosel, which is located 25 km from Hisarya. In the surrounding area, rich tombs with gold jewelry and other items of high artistic and museum value were discovered.
HOW TO GET TO HISARYA?
Hisarya can be reached by various means of transport: bus, minibus or taxi. The schedule, as well as the fare, change periodically, so in order not to mislead you, we did not post this information on our website.
