Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Royal Mineral Baths in Bulgaria's Bankya regain authentic spendour after decades of oblivion

3
Photo: BGNES

The emblematic building of the royal mineral baths in the small town of Bankya close to Sofia may soon start to receive visitors after years of ruin. The impressive edifice has a history of over 100 years, as its construction began in 1907 under the direction of the famous German architect of the time, Prof. Karl Hoheder (1854-1917). In just four years, the architectural masterpiece was fully completed and the public baths began to receive the first visitors. 

After long years of neglect, the restoration of the building began in 2018, as its central lobby and the hall with the original mineral-water pool are now fully restored along with the authentic tiling and the dome.
Old photos of the premises were used for the restoration work, and a Bulgarian manufacturer of ceramics managed to produce the same colour of tiles as the original ones. 
The renovated healing facility features also a modern spa centre and a Viennese coffee lounge.
The baths are expected to open to the public in the autumn of 2020.


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

Gallery

More from category

Serenity, light and spirituality: St Petka Monastery in winter

Quiet among the Lyulin Mountain slopes, the Klisura Monastery of St. Petka is marked by mystery and radiates spirituality. It is located only 7 km from the resort town of Bankya, near the village of Klisura. Winter is the time when the holy monastery..

published on 1/8/25 3:48 PM
The folk custom

Ivanovden is among the favorite winter holidays

Today, The Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint John the Baptist, also known as Saint John the Forerunner, because he prepared people for the coming of the Savior. The day dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, known in Bulgaria as..

published on 1/7/25 6:05 AM

Bulgarians across the country take out the cross on Epiphany

On January 6, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is marking Epiphany. According to the Bible, on this day John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Traditionally, a festive Epiphany liturgy is held in churches, water is blessed, and then..

published on 1/6/25 6:10 PM