International museum day / Международен ден на музеите
Celebrating International Museum Day in Hisarya: A Journey Through Time and Heritage
Each year on May 18th, International Museum Day invites communities around the globe to reflect on the role of museums in preserving history, promoting cultural exchange, and educating future generations. In the heart of Bulgaria, the historic town of Hisarya is a shining example of how cultural heritage sites can transcend centuries to tell powerful stories of civilization, resilience, and identity. With its Archaeological Museum, the Roman Imperial Baths from the 2nd century, and the mysterious Roman Family Tomb from the 4th century, Hisarya offers visitors a unique opportunity to walk through a living history book, where every stone whispers tales from antiquity.
The Archaeological Museum – A Guardian of Hisarya’s Past
At the center of Hisarya’s cultural identity is its Archaeological Museum, which serves as a gateway to understanding the region’s extensive historical legacy. Established in 1957, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that span the Neolithic, Thracian, Roman, and medieval periods. The exhibitions are carefully curated to provide a chronological and thematic journey through time, offering both scholars and casual visitors valuable insights into the lives, beliefs, and innovations of the area’s ancient inhabitants.
Roman Imperial Baths – A Masterpiece of Ancient Engineering
A short walk from the museum brings visitors to one of Hisarya’s most iconic landmarks: the Roman Imperial Baths, dating back to the 2nd century AD. These baths are among the best-preserved in Southeastern Europe and are a striking testament to the technological sophistication and luxurious lifestyle of the Roman elite.
Built to serve as both a medical and social center, the complex includes numerous facilities such as caldarium (hot bath), tepidarium (warm bath), frigidarium (cold bath), palaestra (gymnasium), and hypocaust systems—an early form of central heating.
Walking through the site today, visitors can still see the massive stone walls, vaulted corridors, and intricate marble floors that once greeted Roman citizens and travelers alike. The spatial layout, symmetry, and architectural detail reflect not only the empire’s engineering prowess but also its emphasis on public health, leisure, and social cohesion.
The baths were fed by Hisarya’s natural mineral springs, which remain active today and are known for their therapeutic properties. In many ways, the ancient spa culture established by the Romans laid the foundation for the town’s enduring reputation as a wellness destination—a tradition that has continued uninterrupted for nearly two millennia.
Roman Family Tomb
Tucked away in the quieter corners of Hisarya lies another gem of antiquity: the Roman Family Tomb, dating from the 4th century AD. Discovered in 1957, the tomb is a remarkably well-preserved example of late Roman funerary architecture, and it offers a deeply personal window into the customs and beliefs of the time.
The tomb was likely built for a wealthy local family, and its layout and decoration speak volumes about the era’s fusion of Roman and early Christian motifs. Visitors descend into an underground chamber through a narrow stairway, entering a vaulted room built of brick and stone, with original frescoes still visible on parts of the wall.
What makes the Roman Family Tomb especially significant is its intimate atmosphere. Unlike the grand public spaces of the baths, the tomb evokes a sense of quiet reflection and personal memory. It is a place where architecture, art, and emotion intertwine, reminding us that history is not just the domain of emperors and armies but also of families, hopes, and farewells.
