Return to the sources: Ivatherm supports the restoration of the Countess Promenade in Băile Herculane
Posted by Ivatherm
The story of Ivatherm began 20 years ago, in a place that fascinates with its history, nature, and legends: Băile Herculane. Our choice to use Herculane Thermal Water – renowned for its soothing properties on the skin – was no accident. We built an entire philosophy around this source, and today we are honored to symbolically return to where it all began, with a project that combines care for heritage with respect for the community.
Contents
Restoration of a historical site: The Countesses' Promenade
In the heart of the forest connecting the resort's new center to the historical area, along a shady path of approximately 300 meters, lies a place locals call "The Countesses' Promenade." Attested since the 19th century through historical plans and old postcards, this alley represents a cultural and landscape artifact of the resort, which in recent decades has fallen into disrepair.
Legend has it that during the communist era, three Viennese countesses, refugees in Herculane, walked down this alley daily to sell cakes prepared according to refined recipes inherited from happier times. Reconfiguring their lives in the context of a hostile regime, they used their culinary talent to survive, and the place was named in their memory – The Countesses' Promenade. The spring at its end, today known as The Countesses' Spring, still retains the discreet charm of a bygone era.
A project for community and heritage
Ivatherm supports the revitalization of the Promenade and the Countesses' Spring in partnership with Herculane Project through the Locus Association, as part of the "Architecture Bath" educational program. The project is developed with the support of the Order of Architects of Romania, through the architectural stamp, the King Michael I Foundation of Romania, and in partnership with the Băile Herculane City Hall, the Caraș-Severin County Directorate for Culture, OAR Timiș Branch, and Rothoblaas Romania.
A first step in this direction was the launch of an ideas competition for students in architecture, landscaping, and interior design, which brought fresh visions and sustainable solutions for the alley's restoration to the forefront. Three projects were awarded prizes during the VII edition of the Architecture Bath. The winners – two students from Iași, Hafia Antonia-Raluca and Mihalache Maria-Alexandra – proposed a reversible intervention, with a 15 sqm wooden platform, seating, and a viewpoint with a "window" opening onto the spectacular Cerna valley.
What's next?
Renovation works will begin in July 2025, with the aim of being completed by the end of summer. The proposed interventions are discreet, intended to preserve the natural character of the area, but also to restore the route's functional and tourist value.
Introduction of urban furniture (benches, rest areas)
Construction of a wooden pavilion for cultural events and recreational activities
Ecological restoration and cleaning of the alley, as well as its paving with stone
Consolidation of stone retaining walls
Restoration and desilting of the Countesses' Spring, with water quality testing for possible reintegration into the tourist circuit
More than just a reconditioned route, the Countesses' Promenade can become a vibrant space – a place where nature, history, and community meet in harmonious balance.
We believe that a brand is not just about products, but about the stories it tells and the impact it has on the communities in which it operates. We want this place to become a destination for tourists again, but also a source of pride for locals. A space where history is not forgotten, but relived.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Return to the sources: Ivatherm supports the restoration of the Countess Promenade in Băile Herculane
The story of Ivatherm began 20 years ago, in a place that fascinates with its history, nature, and legends: Băile Herculane. Our choice to use Herculane Thermal Water – renowned for its soothing properties on the skin – was no accident. We built an entire philosophy around this source, and today we are honored to symbolically return to where it all began, with a project that combines care for heritage with respect for the community.
Contents
Restoration of a historical site: The Countesses' Promenade
In the heart of the forest connecting the resort's new center to the historical area, along a shady path of approximately 300 meters, lies a place locals call "The Countesses' Promenade." Attested since the 19th century through historical plans and old postcards, this alley represents a cultural and landscape artifact of the resort, which in recent decades has fallen into disrepair.
Legend has it that during the communist era, three Viennese countesses, refugees in Herculane, walked down this alley daily to sell cakes prepared according to refined recipes inherited from happier times. Reconfiguring their lives in the context of a hostile regime, they used their culinary talent to survive, and the place was named in their memory – The Countesses' Promenade. The spring at its end, today known as The Countesses' Spring, still retains the discreet charm of a bygone era.
A project for community and heritage
Ivatherm supports the revitalization of the Promenade and the Countesses' Spring in partnership with Herculane Project through the Locus Association, as part of the "Architecture Bath" educational program. The project is developed with the support of the Order of Architects of Romania, through the architectural stamp, the King Michael I Foundation of Romania, and in partnership with the Băile Herculane City Hall, the Caraș-Severin County Directorate for Culture, OAR Timiș Branch, and Rothoblaas Romania.
A first step in this direction was the launch of an ideas competition for students in architecture, landscaping, and interior design, which brought fresh visions and sustainable solutions for the alley's restoration to the forefront. Three projects were awarded prizes during the VII edition of the Architecture Bath. The winners – two students from Iași, Hafia Antonia-Raluca and Mihalache Maria-Alexandra – proposed a reversible intervention, with a 15 sqm wooden platform, seating, and a viewpoint with a "window" opening onto the spectacular Cerna valley.
What's next?
Renovation works will begin in July 2025, with the aim of being completed by the end of summer. The proposed interventions are discreet, intended to preserve the natural character of the area, but also to restore the route's functional and tourist value.
More than just a reconditioned route, the Countesses' Promenade can become a vibrant space – a place where nature, history, and community meet in harmonious balance.
We believe that a brand is not just about products, but about the stories it tells and the impact it has on the communities in which it operates. We want this place to become a destination for tourists again, but also a source of pride for locals. A space where history is not forgotten, but relived.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.