Well-known mineral baths in Bulgaria, 'Hissarya', are described. Their exis
tence dates back more than 25 centuries. 'Hissarya' is an Arabic word meani
ng 'siege of a castle'. Remains of castle walls are the symbol of 'Hissarya
' today. Every year more than 100,000 patients from Bulgaria and other coun
tries visit 'Hissarya'. From the time of the Thracians and the Roman Empire
until now renal stones have been successfully treated by drinking the mine
ral water and by taking baths. The Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211
) visited 'Hissarya' every spring to treat his renal disease.