In a short distance, East of the present village of Therma, the ruins of the ancient spa town called Thermae, are detected.
The city was famous throughout Greece and the coast of Asia Minor in ancient times, for the thermal capacity of the hot springs. From the ancient city, some parts of baths are preserved dating back to Greek and Roman times and the ancient aqueduct. Pottery fragments are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos. The administrative center of Thermae must have been the village Katafygi, north from the present town of Therma, where parts of the acropolis are located, dating from the Neolithic period.The ancient Acropolis of Thermai is also called the Castle of Katafygi, located just outside the village Katafygi at an altitude of about 500 meters. Dating back to the Neolithic period, today remains of the Acropolis walls, fragments of Mycenaean pottery, and various other items from the Neolithic era to the Greco-Roman times, are preserved there. In the NE there is a spring, covered by the landing system.
Inside the village's school, in a special exposition various findings of the citadel are presented as vases, a copy of tombstones, graves, farm tools, etc. During the Classical and Hellenistic periods, Thermai flourished because of the intensive exploitation of spas and residents were named 'Asclepius' in the 3rd AD century, since they were under the protection of the god of medicine Asclepius.
According to studies, the baths were destroyed by a landslide, however extensive investigations, would bring more evidence to light.
Information for visitors
- Access is not possible for people with reduced mobility.
- There are no toilets for the public at the archaeological site.
- There is no parking for private vehicles.
- There is no shop in the archaeological site.
- There are no organized visits.
Entrance
Free for all visitors.
Access
To reach the Archaeological city of Therma and the Castle of Katafygi, take the main asphalt road Agios Kirykos-Evdilos till Katafygi village. From there, go on foot through a path. Alternatively, you can go on foot from the beach Nealia and the main asphalt road Agios Kirykos-Faros. Access is only by private car, taxi or on foot.