This is one of the oldest and best known resorts of Romania, and over the centuries has seen a lot, been through a lot and gathered quite a fascinating history. Who could imagine, at the very visit, how old this place really his, who came here on holiday and how important the Herculane Baths (Baile Herculane in Romanian translation) proved to be. Situated on Cerna Valley, 160 meters high, it has a pleasant climate, with nice weather, surrounded by the beautiful mountains and nature.
It's history actually begin almost two milennia ago, which is by all means a lot. It's first documentary mentions dates from 153, in a Roman inscription, and it seems that at that time, during the Roman occupation, it was quite popular among the nobles. Bearing the name of Hercules, it was a spot highly praised for the healing powers of it's mineral waters, which were considered sacred. It was thus the Romans who first laid the bases of what would later become known as Herculane Baths. A lot of relics remained from that time, ranging from aquaducts and baths to statues, coins and the likes.
After a long,much too long time during which the place fell into ruins - yet the locals always used the mineral waters for their health - after 1718 (the Passarovitz Peace Treaty) a new chapter in the history of the resort began. This time the place was administered by the Austrian authorities, and in 1736 they began the reconstruction and modernisation of the ancient baths, the pathways, all in a Baroque style, which was both modern, yet strangely fitting the place. They erected several new adminstrative buildings and places for the tourists, and the "high life chapter" commenced. The resort was visited by Emperor Josef II, Emperor Francisc I, Emperess Charlotte, then by Franz Josef and Elisabeth. They were so impressed by the beauty of the resort and the quality of the mineral waters that they didn't hesitate into naming this the most beautiful place on Earth.
In 1922 here a museum was opened, the Nicolae Cerna Museum, still in existence and awainting it's visitors. Nowadays the resort is still one of the most popular and visited in the country, and many choose to spend a holiday here, even if just for the beauty of the place and nature.
You can stay at any of the hotels or motels of the resort, or you can rent a room from the locals, and the prices and really friendly. There are also bars, restaurants, clubs, places where you can relax with a game of pool, swimming pools. For those who are into hiking and travelling, the views and charm of nature are more than attractive, and you can discover the surroundings during long and nice trips. Still, don't forget the mineral waters of all kinds, and ask what everytype is good for. There are also some yearly events held here, such as the International Folk Festival Hercules, the Festival of Brandy, the Ball of the Grapes and others. Go to the mineral and thermal springs and taste the various waters, treat or prevent the varous ilnesses, befriend some of the other visitors. Whatever you do, don't forget to relax and generally have a nice time.
For the Herculane Baths might be just the place to have a good time and a nice holiday.
Photo : magest.ro ; karpatenwilli.com
September 2008
