Roman-era Ruin Garden

According to the site’s evidence, the area was already inhabited in the first half of the 1st century – as indicated by a coin minted by Emperor Tiberius. In the early period, a timber house stood here, which likely burned down at the end of the 1st century. In its place, an impressive stone building of over 1,000 square metres was erected in the early 2nd century, featuring warm, tepid, and cold bathing pools, as well as a columned portico (porticus) to the east.

Although the building, thought to be a villa urbana, shows no signs of central heating, it bears architectural features typical of the era. The structure was destroyed towards the end of the 2nd century but was rebuilt in the 3rd century with a new internal layout, even incorporating a Mithras sanctuary – the altar stone of which was also found during excavations. In the 4th century, it was once again reduced to ruins but was rebuilt until its final destruction in the early 5th century. Over time, the complex’s function changed – in its last phase, it likely served economic purposes.

To the west of the residential building, remains of economic units belonging to the villa were also discovered, suggesting that a complete villa estate operated here. Other finds from the Hévíz area – such as the Jupiter altar stone found near the lake or the Roman coins uncovered by divers – clearly indicate that the Romans had already discovered the healing powers of the lake, contributing to the area’s long-term habitation.

Flavius and his nurse – the legend of the lake
The statue depicts Flavius Theodosius, the last emperor of the Roman Empire, with his nurse, who prayed to the Virgin Mary for the recovery of her ailing charge. According to legend, her prayers caused a healing spring to emerge, in which Flavius regained his strength – enabling him to become a ruler. The statue, created by Ferenc Farkas in 2015, commemorates the legend of Lake Hévíz.

Dry Kneipp Path – a walk through history
The Kneipp path in the ruin garden follows the underground traces of Roman walls. Walking barefoot on various surfaces – gravel, wood, and crushed stone – not only refreshes but also provides a natural massage, stimulating circulation and benefiting the entire body through reflex zones.

The Gate of Home – dog statue and Roman door
This sculpture ensemble depicts the door of a Roman-era house and a dignified granite-carved dog. The Roman equivalent of “beware of the dog” (“cave canem”) was a common entrance motif, even in Pompeii. The artwork symbolises the connection between past and present.

Fawn – a mysterious little bronze figure
The tiny fawn was created based on a 4th-century find. The original 2 cm bronze figure was discovered near Hévíz and likely served as a grave good. The current statue was made by Ferenc Farkas.

Roman soldier’s grave – secrets of the earth
The intact brick grave was unearthed in 1925. Roman coins, bronze buckles, and the skeleton of a soldier were found in the grave. The finds were taken to the Balaton Museum, while the grave can be viewed on-site.

Egregy Museum – where past meets present
Since 2015, the museum, established in a former carpenter’s workshop, has hosted temporary and thematic exhibitions, including displays showcasing Hévíz’s history spanning thousands of years.