Baile Herculane

A spa resort and an excellent starting point for exploring the surroundings

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Ana-Maria Cononovici, 13.04.2017, 13:21

Todays destination is in the southwest of Romania, at an altitude of 168 meters, 25 km away from the Serbian border. Situated between Cerna and Mehedinti Mountains, Herculane has been visited by people seeking treatment for over two thousand years. It began being used as a spa in Roman times, and continues to this day. It is a place that in the past was the favorite destination for Emperor Franz Joseph and Princess Sissi, who had residences built there. The resort still preserves the traces of those times. You can visit the Roman baths, on the ground floor of a hotel here, some of them still functional two thousand years on. You can also see the first bridge in Europe built in a bend in the road, as well as the bronze statue of Hercules. You can also see the casino that opened in 1850, as well as a giant redwood planted a couple of centuries ago. Baile Herculane is slowly but surely regaining its former glory. Laura Patru, PR representative for a spa hotel here, told us about the resort:

“Herculane is a sight to behold. We have ionized air, with 2,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. This may sound as a technical detail, but it is important, it makes you feel like you are at an altitude of 2,000 meters in the Swiss Alps. Cerna Valley has a truly unique scenery, as well as two thousand species of butterfly. Both the Romans and the Austro-Hungarians knew that they could find cures here for a lot of ailments, and this is still valid today, except that nowadays we have modern technologies, spa, relaxation, which makes the experience so much richer.”

Dora Miuti, in charge of the treatment base here, told us what it has to offer:

“We have a wide set of procedures: magnetotherapy, thermal therapy using short waves, solux and infrared, ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, very efficient in reducing pain and stimulating muscles, aerosol therapy for the lungs, for combating sinus infections and allergies, lymph drainage and kinetotherapy. In terms of wellness we have massage, 80 degree Celsius dry sauna, as well as an indoor and an outdoor pool.”

Laura Patru told us more about the resort:

“We have technologies comparable to those anywhere else in Europe. We can treat a wide array of ailments. Spa facilities have developed a lot. Herculane used to be famous for treatment, now it is famous for relaxation. You can have honey baths, plant baths, chocolate massage, caviar massage, things that didnt use to be associated with Baile Herculane.”

While she admitted that a lot of tourists are disappointed by the fact that the reconstruction of the resort does not go as fast as they would like, Laura Patru told us that they are still choosing this place as a holiday destination:

“Herculane is the perfect starting point for visiting the surroundings. You can visit the village of Ineleț, an isolated place that you can only reach by wooden ladders. For this reason, the place looks like it did a hundred years ago. Also, it only takes 20 minutes to reach the Danube Cauldrons, and the statue of Decebalus. You can also see the Steam Grotto, a natural sauna, as well as Empress Sissis tower and historical buildings, such as the casino where kings used to gather. Theres a lot to see on Cerna Valley.”

Laura Patru extended an invitation:

“If for a spa trip, for sedentary people working in offices or people with busy lives, one weekend is enough for relaxation and a few procedures. When you come for treatment things are different. A treatment stay takes at least five days to work, because we use thermal water. Which is why treatment packages are at least five days long. We are waiting for you here, because Herculane belongs to everyone, and we would like to share with you everything we have to offer.”

From spa treatments to Pilates or a gentle stroll, you will definitely enjoy your time in this ancient place, which has been a spa since the year 153 CE. (Translated by C. Cotoiu)