Roman thermae complex, Roman thermal complex in Kyustendil, Bulgaria.
The Roman thermal complex in Kyustendil is a large ancient structure with separate sections for hot, warm, and cold baths. The various sections are connected by arched corridors and chambers that show how Romans managed water and heat through the building.
The complex was built in the second and third centuries and was the main health and leisure center of the city of Pautalia under Roman rule. It shows how long this settlement had been shaped by Roman influence.
These baths reveal how Romans in Kyustendil spent their leisure time - bathing, socializing, and relaxing were central to daily life. You can see today how different sections connected and how important such places were for bringing people together.
The ruins are spread across the site and you can see various structural elements like old water channels, heating pipes, and foundation walls directly. Good shoes and some time are helpful for exploring all areas and understanding the different parts of the complex.
The heating system was remarkably engineered - hot air circulated under the floor through special channels and warmed the rooms from below. This system worked on principles you can also find in other Roman structures.
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