Băile Herculane – Sights and Tourist Attractions

Blessed with captivating mountain scenery, thermal springs and a rich history, the resort has an ever-higher occupancy rate, with many tourists choosing to spend their holidays here.

The resort is surrounded by the Mehedinți and Cerna mountains and crossed by the Cerna River. The natural scenery of mountains, valleys and rivers makes a captivating picture, waiting to be discovered. It is a place from which you can easily set off for other tourist attractions nearby.

Over time, the resort is said to have been visited by important figures and by the aristocracy of Ancient Rome: Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, Empress Elisabeth, King Carol I of Romania, King Michael, Queen Marie and others. It was in effect the place of attraction for the aristocracy, very quickly becoming the relaxation centre of the Roman Empire, hence the appearance of remains unique in the world: baths, statues, coins and more.

Băile Herculane is one of the largest spa resorts in the world, its thermal springs being considered a gift of the gods, given their miraculous effectiveness. Various conditions can be treated: rheumatism, nutritional and nervous disorders, and skin rejuvenation treatments can also be carried out (renowned companies use them to create various creams and lotions). The 15 springs are rich in calcium, sulphur, chlorine, sodium and magnesium.

The Statue of Hercules is a true historical monument, and represents the zero point and the symbol of the resort. It was cast in bronze in 1847, at the request of Archduke Charles of Austria. The god Hercules was the symbol of absolute power, but was also recorded as the patron of the thermal springs, and was known to represent the perfect balance between physical and spiritual strength.

The Austrian Imperial Baths impressed with their refinement and Baroque architectural style, and were much appreciated by the Roman civilisation and by the one in Vienna. Although, unfortunately, they have not been restored, they still impress, even through the beauty of what they once were.

The Casino, built at the beginning of the 19th century, was the most popular in Europe, the favourite place of the imperial aristocracy. It is a true architectural gem of the Austrian Baroque style, and also has a restaurant, a performance hall, a bazaar and a terrace. Right next to it, you can discover a natural monument, a tree – a rare species of Sequoia gigantea, planted in 1864.

A perfect area for strolling is Piața Hercules (Hercules Square), where you will discover several other important buildings and true architectural monuments: Baia Apollo (the Apollo Bath), Hotel Dunărea, Baia Hebe (the Hebe Bath), Hotel Venus, Hotel Domogled (built in 1859) and the Roman Catholic church (you can admire it up close; it is open to the public every day). It is also where you can admire the Statue of Hercules.

Besides the historical beauty it offers, the resort is the perfect place to set off on mountain hikes. We recommend that you stop at Grota Haiducilor (the Outlaws’ Grotto), also known as Peștera Hoților (the Thieves’ Cave), which is 143 metres long. It dates from as far back as 1820, and got its name from the outlaws and thieves of the Roman period, who hid their treasures here.

The Steam Grotto is considered an altar to the deities. Access to it can be quite difficult, but once you get there you will be able to admire gelatinous stalactites, unique vegetation and the thermal spring that gushes through the rock walls and gives off hot steam at 52 degrees.

7 km from the resort there is also an Olympic-size thermal-water swimming pool, Șapte Izvoare (Seven Springs), which also has a slide where water flows continuously from the mountain. It is the main point of attraction in summer.