Budapest / Hungary
3 May 2019
The Hungarian capital is called the spa capital of the world rightly so, since plenty of the countires thermal springs and spas can be found here.
The thermal springs and spas provide the visitors with a spectacular experience both as historic places of interest and as recreational facilities. Besides the water culture characterizing Hungarians, the peoples invading Hungary during the centuries have also played a role in forming and developing this special value.
Romans deserve first mention. The II Roman Legion built private and public baths based on the local springs in the region we know as western part of the capital today.
There are written records from medieval times proving that two of the spas of our days, Lukács and Császár were known and called Felhévíz during the time of settlements of the Magyars in Hungary. That means that the thermal waters were already known and utilized in the 10th century.
During the Renaissance King Mathias liked to visit spas. A kind of record of this is the name of Budapest Királyfürdő, which is the translation from the Hungarian expression: bath of the king.
During the Turkish conquest the development of public spa culture of Budapest and of Hungary gathered another momentum, since baths played an important religious role, in Islamic culture as well.
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In the times following the Turkish invasion, the 18th century brought a similarly rapid development. The first medical studies dealing with the healing effects of thermal springs and medicinal waters were published.
Nowadays, the baths of Budapest are being renovated authentically. As a result they have become very attractive for those fond of modern spa culture based on traditional values. Budapest today is a real spa city with a water wealth unique In Europe. Thanks to this richness and exciting colourfulness the baths of Budapest attract millions of visitors each year.
Read more about baths and spas here.
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