Nature is certainly full of miracles. If you want to have part of the miracle of the refreshing, invigorating climate and, at the same time, to benefit from the much sought-after negative air ionization, but also from the soothing springs, you must come to Geoagiu Bai.
Why Geoagiu Bai? Because it is one of those blessed places. It has, for more than 2000 years, provided people with a perfect environment for rest and recuperation. How can we prove this? By the existence of the gold votive plaques discovered within the rock pool complex. These were also built and used by the Romans who settled here temporarily after the conquest of this part of Dacia.
They are made of 22-carat gold leaf, with a thickness of one millimeter or less, using the "au repousse" technique, with the help of a wooden matrix. Seven of these plates were found in the spring at Germisara, deposited as an offering to the nymphs of the waters here by people who had cured themselves by bathing in the thermal waters. The eighth plate, migrated about 18 meters through the channel connecting the water source and the large pool of the thermal complex," according to archaeologists from the Deva Museum.
We know the names of the people who deposited the votive plaques because it was inscribed on them. The most interesting inscription, from our point of view, is the following: "To the Nymphs he placed (as an offering) Decebalus, son of Lucius". This inscription can be dated to the second half of the 2nd century, probably during the reign of the emperor Mark Antony or Commodus, the one who made it being part of the second or third generation of Dacians in the province. "He was courtly because otherwise he couldn't afford such an expensive offering and he was quite well romanized because he worshipped nymphs," say Deva museum specialists.
Of the 104 votive plaques known so far from the ancient Roman Empire, archaeologists report that:
8 gold plates were discovered in Geoagiu Bai. This proves the high esteem of the healing waters of these miraculous springs.
In a depression formed by the last ramifications of the Metaliferi Mountains, on a tributary of the Mures, Geoagiu river, the Romans discovered a Dacian settlement rich in mineral waters and thermal. They built here the GERMISARA castle. Toponym of Dacian origin, inherited and transmitted in this form in the Roman era, the etymology of the word expressing: (germ-cald, and sara-water).
Aesculapius was worshipped as the god of warm, healing springs, and local deities were also revered. Immediately after the conquest of Dacia, the territory of today's GEOAGIU BAI underwent a systematization. A detachment of the XIIIth Gemina Legion, stationed at Apullum, dug a bathing establishment in the limestone, the remains of which can still be seen today. We also know the name of the builder: Lucretius Aqvila, stamped on a tile fixed into the wall of the small pool.
In the inscriptions discovered by archaeological excavations there is the testimony of a Roman officer who thanked the patron deities and Aesculapius, in particular, for the waters of these baths that saved him from death. That's why they were also frequented by the provincial governors. They built a shrine to AESCULAP and to the goddess of health - HYGEEA. Under the command of Furius Saturninus, governor of Dacia in 165 BC. Archaeological research uncovered the remains of marble columns and votive altars. One of the rooms still preserved seepage from the ancient spring in the floor.
Near the spa resort there is a lake "La Natau". Legend has it that a very beautiful girl fell in love with a Roman commander, who asked her to marry him. The girl's parents, who considered the Romans invaders, objected. The bride fled her parents' home and drowned trying to cross the lake on horseback. The story goes that it was her parents' curse. The elders tell how even today, on quiet nights, the bride's cries can be heard. At the same time, the shadow of a lonely young man searches until dawn for the body of his beloved...
Truth or legend... everything today turns into a four-star vacation invitation.
Today's Germisara should be seen as a prolonged metaphor, with hidden meanings in history that are sometimes impossible to utter. A location with a precious vestige, which gives insight into our millenary existence.
Geoagiu can be transformed into an area of great tourist attraction, if we present the whole picture, with its multiple values, including:
Virtual Wellness Explorer
