Varazdinske Toplice

The Romans called this Aquae Iasae and built a substantial bathing complex on the springs, with a basilica, a forum and a temple precinct, developed from the first century and rebuilt after a fire under Constantine. Excavation from the 1950s onward exposed a large part of it in the middle of the modern town, so the Roman pools, hypocaust and column bases sit directly below the streets and beside a spa that has used the same water continuously since. Statues of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva found in the temple are in the local museum. The water comes out at around 58 degrees and is still used for rheumatology treatment.

What you actually see

• Roman Aquae Iasae excavated - pools, hypocaust and forum in the town.
• The same springs still used - water at about 58 degrees.
• A temple triad in the museum - Jupiter, Juno and Minerva.
• Rebuilt under Constantine - after a fire damaged the complex.

When to go

April to October; parts of the site are exposed to weather. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Excavation and conservation work has closed sections at times. The site is foundations rather than standing buildings. The spa is a medical facility and access to it is separate. English interpretation is limited.

Nearby

Varazdin is north; the Zagorje castles are west.