The spa town of Baile Herculane has an ancient history.

The numerous archeological discoveries show that the area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era.The Pestera Hotilor,or Cave of the Thieves,contains multiple levels,including one from the Mousterian period,one from the Mesolithic period and several from the later Neolithic periods.Legend has it that a weary Hercules stopped in the valley to bathe and rest.During the 165 years of Roman domination of Dacia,the Herculan Spa that the town is named after was known all over the Empire.Unearthed stone carvings show that visiting Roman aristocrats turned the town into a Roman leisure center.Six statues of Hercules from the time have been discovered.A bronze replica of one of them,molded in 1874,stands as a landmark in the town center.In modern times,the spa has been visited for its natural healing propertis:hot springs with sulfur,chlorine,sodium,calcium,magnesium and other minerals,as well as negatively ionized air.Before World War II,it remained a popular destination with Western Europeans,who lent the town a refined elegance.During Communist rule,mass tourism facilites were built,such as the tall concrete hotels which dominate the skyline.It was especially popular with retirees,who would spend their stateallotted vacation vouchers there,hoping to improuve their health.Today,they share the town with a younger crowd,attracted by its beautiful montain setting.