Archaeological finds show that the healing properties of the hot springs were already exploited in the Neolithic era; three settlements were created nearby in the VI - V millennium BC. In the middle of the first millennium BC the Thracians turned the spring into a most revered "Sanctuary of the Three Nymphs". The three nymphs were virgins who served the gods but sinned - to escape punishment they were petrified as guardians of the spa.
The first baths in the Sanctuary of the Three Nymphs were built when Rome conquered the Thracian lands in the middle of the first century AD. At the same time as the Via Pontika (a major Roman road) was being built, a major resting point called Aquae Calidae (Latin: healing water) was built near the baths. This is the first name of the city which is known from written sources.
In the Middle Ages it was referred to by the names Terma and Thermopolis. The mineral baths were frequented by Philip II of Macedonia, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and Constantine IV, the Bulgarian King Tervel and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Now open to the public every day, the beautifully restored bathroom of 'Suleiman the Magnificent' together with a 3D projection are the main attraction. There is an open air theatre, a cafe and a souvenir shop. Some of the finds (including very old coins) can be seen in the archaeological museum in Burgas. The next development phase promises a museum / exposition area as well as a modern day spa centre.
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