The Bulgarian capital Sofia is famously known for its hot and cold hot springs which were highly regarded by Thracians and Romans for their healing qualities. Today, the springs still function in both the city centre and its suburbs, but only as a source of drinking water. Their potential as balneology and spa centers was inexorably wasted after the end of communism. However, now, the municipality is set to restore the baths due to boom of weekend tourism. A budget of BGN 7 million (€3.58 million) has been earmarked for the same. Public baths in Ovcha Kupel and Gorna Banya will also be restored.
The Central Mineral Bath, whose facade was impressively restored, is suspiciously dry on the inside. It is one of the nation’s emblems and now houses the Regional Museum of History. The municipality’s position is that the flow of the spring is too weak to supply a full bath – a fact that many experts dispute.
Read more on the natural Bulgarian mineral baths on The Mayor.