A few days ago, we decided to take a different trip and discover new gems that would add value to our programs in Bulgaria. Among many, that we will talk about later, today we want to take you on a journey through time and learn about the history of Villa Flavia!

 

 

Villa Flavia is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the oldest city in Europe, Plovdiv, a breathtaking archaeological site that offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural and historical past of this ancient city. Its awe-inspiring Roman thermae is a true marvel of engineering, a testament to the prestige and power of the ancient civilization that built them. This site offers a meeting with the past and an opportunity to experience the present in a different way. Located in the ideal center of Plovdiv, at the foot of the Old Town and a step away from the main cultural and tourist attractions, boutique hotel Villa Flavia will share with you a unique atmosphere and a thousand-year history!

 

 

Villa Flavia is more than a hotel – it is a place that has a sheltered history and gives you the opportunity to feel and experience it. The hotel's building results from the owners' and architects' desire to honor the architectural and historical heritage of Plovdiv, an embodiment of time and its passage, an interpretation of human evolution and the continuity of generations. The hotel's design is a beautiful blend of French Art Nouveau and contemporary solutions of modern life, charming accents and restored elements complement each other, turning Villa Flavia into an unforgettable mark in the heart of Plovdiv.

 

 

The beautifully preserved Roman thermae at Villa Flavia is nothing short of a marvel, harking back to a time long ago when such feats of engineering were a symbol of prestige and power. Located in the central city area, this magnificent site was discovered during rescue excavations in 2016. Upon excavation, the foundations of a modern building and neighboring houses were uncovered, all of which had been constructed atop the ancient structures.

 

 

Within the excavation area, an enchanting room measuring 15 meters east-west and 12 meters north-south was discovered, leading off a vaulted entrance from the north. Adjacent to the west wall of the room was a rectangular pool with a marble wall and floor tiling, featuring a small threshold and a seat on the east side. Underneath the floor, an intricate hypocaust heating system was found, boasting arched supports and brick pipes used to heat the building. Clay tubules found within wall cavities also suggest the presence of wall heating.

 

 

The findings at Villa Flavia indicate that this was once a grand bathhouse, forming part of a larger architectural complex. Its location near the eastern side of the stadium of Philippopolis suggests that it may have served as a public thermae during the Roman period, in harmony with the stadium's function. The exquisite hall at Villa Flavia boasts walls and floors adorned with large, rectangular marble slabs atop a sturdy mortar base, while fragments of wall mosaics and a marble architrave hint at the site's intricate artistic elements.

 

 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Architect Arch. Galya Krasteva, archaeologist Maya Martinova - Kyutova, and restorer Villa Flavia has been lovingly restored to its former splendor, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this incredible piece of history. For those interested in exploring the cultural and historical heritage of Plovdiv, a visit to Villa Flavia is an absolute must-see. Your travel through time continues on the ground floor designed in a classic and timeless style, while the upper floors display the elegant symbiosis between classics and modernism. To top it off, the rooftop terrace offers a state-of-the-art space with a contemporary feel and a breathtaking view of the city, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

 

 

But the real magic of Villa Flavia lies in its beautifully landscaped yard, where four Roman columns excavated at the hotel's foundations are exhibited. Among them, a modern sculpture made of old granite steps symbolizes the passage of time and the continuity of life, from antiquity to the future and hope. Small drops of water drip on the steps like God's grace, a symbol of the cycle of life and the exceptional completion of our concepts and ideas. All of these elements are conceptually woven into Villa Flavia's logo and tagline: Experience the past. Celebrate the future. So come and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Plovdiv at Villa Flavia, where the past and the future merge to create a truly unforgettable experience.