Once upon a time, royalties of the Habsburgs enjoyed long summer holidays with nobles from all over the Austrian Empire in a place called Băile Herculane, Romania. Extravagance and luxury were the main characteristics of their times. Everybody attended high class parties and they put emphasis on social status. The little village they built 2 centuries ago included, among other things, grand hotels, a casino, a church and paved streets with grandiose fountains. They even planted a Sequoia Gigantea tree near the casino and the city hall. To make the long story short, the place was, back then, a small paradise destined for relaxing and socializing.
Like many other stories, this one had its roots close to the Roman empire. While trying to take over this territory, the Romans found here springs of hot sulfurous waters which healed the wounds of their horses. It wasn't long until they built the bases of the baths that still exist today. The name they chose for the place, "The Hercule Baths", is still used in our times, Hercule being the roman God of mental and physical strength, helping the armies prepare and resist throughout the battles. Many monuments and statues from both the Roman and Austrian times are still present, the one which governs the city center being dedicated to Hercule.
Today, the place still serves as a thermal bath for a handful of tourists. Most of the people who come here are unaware of the rich history and prosperous past the ruins wear.
Most buildings have their doors closed permanently
Elements of the good days still exist
still the urban decay is visible on any scale
Some closer looks reveal unbelievable images...
other, unbelievable carelessness
Just imagine the roar of this sidewalk packed with people
These used to spill hot sulfurous water
In any direction you look, you are sure to find mesmerizing details
Some attempts of rehabilitation are visible near the Casino
