The city that drank from the emperors' springs (18 photos + 1 video)

In central Bulgaria, in the shadow of Sredna Gora, lies the small town of Hisarya. It boasts over two dozen mineral springs, which has attracted people since time immemorial.





First the Thracians, then the Romans. And when Emperor Diocletian personally visited the area in 293 and ordered the construction of a fortified town, Hisarya became a true gem of the province.



It was named Diocletianopolis in honor of the emperor, and powerful walls were erected around the entire perimeter.





Diocletian

These walls, up to 11 meters high, and 13 at the South Gate, still stand. Almost entirely, over a length of 2.3 kilometers. They are considered one of the best-preserved fortifications of late antiquity in Europe.



The locals nicknamed the Southern Gate "Camels." When the arch collapsed in the middle, its two halves resembled two camels facing each other.



Today, Hisarya is a renowned spa resort and national archaeological reserve. Roman baths, an amphitheater, barracks, and ancient Bulgarian churches stand side by side with modern spa centers.



And the walls of Diocletianople are not just a monument, but the city's calling card. People come here for both their health and their history: mineral water flows right through the ruins, just as it did two thousand years ago.