Scholastica Baths
The baths were built in the First Century and restored in the Fourth Century by a rich Christian lady called Scholastica. On the left of the eastern entrance, you can see her statue without head.

The original structure was thought to have been three-storied but by the time the upper two stories collapsed. The baths have two entrances, one from the Curetes Street, which is the main entrance, and the other from the side street. When you enter you see first the dressing room (called apodyterium) with ten cabins, then cold room (called frigidarium) with its pool, and then the warm room (called tepidarium) to relax, and finally the hot room (called caldarium) with its developed heating system.

Caldariums floor is made of marble, built over brick supports, and under it flowed hot water.
The second floor was used for massage and scrubbe procedures.

The baths were used not only to bathe but also for meeting and discussing the topics of the day. The importance of discussing in the bath was very important for developing of Roman philosophy.

The baths could house a thousand customers, and contained a library and entertainment rooms.
The custom of Roman baths was continued during the Byzantine era and with the arriving of the Turks reached its heyday. We also recommend you to visit one of the traditional Turkish Bath to feel this culture and experience this tradition.