Nymphaion A
Nymphaion A oriented in the north-south direction is located approximately 50 m northwest of the Main City Gate, approximately 25 m east of the Roman Baths and just west of the Main Street; and together with the surrounding buildings, it stands in the centre of the sector where the most intense architectural remains are found in the Lower City. Although it is perceived as rectangular due to the terrace wall it rests against and the fill covering it, the monumental fountain may have a U-layout originally; it consists of three barrel-vaulted units of equal shape and size on the long side, an arch or vault on the short sides, a reservoir at the top and a raised rear wall. The vaults on both ends of the front facade have been completely concealed under the filling. The vault of the southern unit has collapsed, and only one row of the double-row arch of the northern unit has survived. The unit that forms the northern short edge is almost entirely buried under earth. Only one wing of the arched opening on the southern short side, which is understood to have multiple phases, has survived. A reservoir stretches on top of the vaulted units on the long side. The western wall of the reservoir, which was vaulted as inferred from the traces on both walls forming its wings, extends until the beginning of the northern short side of the fountain. The rear wall forming the other wing of the reservoir and the rear wall of the monument has survived almost halfway intact; it was kept high in order to function as a retaining wall for the Main Street.
Frontal view of Nymphaion A form the west
Two separate water channels feeding from the same source, the reservoir on the long side whose function has not yet been clarified, and the elevated rear facade with a retaining wall function show that the building had a functional architectural design aimed at meeting the specific needs of the settlement. Based on its architectural design, material / technical features and its location within the settlement, it can be said that it was built just west of the Roman Baths after it had lost function in Late Antiquity. The water from the source that once fed the Baths was transferred to Nymphaion A during this period.
Facede drawing of Nymphaion A