Did you know that the richest mineral springs in Europe are in Budapest?

When the Romans arrived some 2000 years ago they brought with them their bathing habits. They were the first to use the mineral waters of the town: they built aquaducts, drains and bathing establishments. The first name of Budapest “Aquincum” is of Celtic origin and means “abundant water” (ak-ink). The Hungarians who came here in the 9th century made one of their first settlements where Császár Fürdő (Császár Baths) now stands. In the 12th century at the same time the Knights Hospitallers of St. John had a hospital and bath. The golden age of bathing was in the 16th century, when this part of Hungary was occupied by the Turks. The Turkish bath served very important social, religious and even political functions. At the end of the 19th century many new thermal baths and swimming pools were built in Budapest.

Which ailments can be cured in the Budapest spas?

• Locomotor diseases
• Nervous diseases
• Dental diseases
• Heart diseases
• Diseases of the degistive system

The list of the baths:

Gellért
Address: Budapest XI. Kelenhegyi út 4.
The waters here contain calcium, magnesium, alkali chloride and sulphate and have been used for nearly 2000 years. The present building was erected in 1918.

Széchenyi
Address: Budapest XIV. Állatkerti út 11.
This beautiful bath right in the centre of the City Park is one of the most popular in Budapest.

Thermal Hotel
Address: Budapest Margaret Island
It’s facilities serve two hotels. It is linked to the Ramada Grand Hotel by an underground corridor.

Császár
Address: Budapest II. Frankel Leó út 35.
There are 12 springs here, temperatures range between 15 C and 63 C.

Lukács
Address: Budapest II: Frankel Leó utca 35.
The water here was used first by the Romans; temperatures range between 21 C and 49 C.

Rudas
Address: Budapest I. Döbrentei tér 9.
At the foot of the Elizabeth Bridge. One of the 3 baths dating from Turkish times, which is still open. The building was constructed by Ali and Sokoli Mustapha, both Pashas of Buda in the 16th century. The original pool hall with its dome is still in use. Rheumatological hospital department, balneo- and electrotherapy units serve patients here. The drinking hall is supplied by three springs. The water is recommended for kidney stones.

Rác
Address: Budapest I. Hadnagy utca 8-10.
Near the Elizabeth Bridge, Buda side. Another Turkish baths from the 16th century. This bath at the foot of Gellért Hill, takes its nme from the Serbians or Rác people who lived here centuries ago. The water (40 C) comes from the springs under the bath building itself. It is beneficial to the skin and in treating neuaralgia. Tub bath, massage and fitness rooms are available.

Király
Address: Budapest II. Fő utca 84.
Built in 1556 by Sokoli Mustapha this bath served the Turkish pashas of Buda. The reception building is neo-Classical and the pool hall Turkish, but the old buildings also house modern facilities for balneotherapy. Tub baths, underwater massage, steam baths and sauna complete the services on offer.