Băile Herculane

Herkulesbad

Herkulesfürdő

Distance from Timisoara: 161 km.

Altitude 168m.

Attested from 153 a.c.

View Herculane in a larger map

Link to Panoramio

Link to my photos

Baile Herculane is a formerly rather glorious spa town, now rather fallen on hard times.

The original thermal spa baths were first developed by the Romans. Baile Herculane with numerous spas and baths, is surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, all combining to make a breath-taking place for tourist, leisure and health activities. Although situated at only 168m altitude, the surrounding area rapidly gains 800-1000m in altitude, with the peaks: Domogled 1105m, Suscu 1192m and Hurcu 1088m. 

Unfortuantely anything constructed before the 18th century was destroyed during the war between austria and the Ottoman Empire in the 1788-89. Even so there are still a few old buildings in the center of the city, buildings from the 19th century, like the Baia Romană (old names: Baia Hercule, Herculesbad, Latronum, Hotilor, Capciag, Baia lui Iorgovan, Baile de putere); Built in 1838, replacing an older building made of wood in 1792. In the southern bath there still is Hercule's statue made of stone by the romans.

The city is part of Domogled - Cerna Valley National Park, which is one of the richest places in Europe in what concerns the plant species.

Hiking Trails
Photos and Travel Journals:
Peak Domogled

Steam Cave