St. Gellert Baths Budapest
To experience the elegance, history, and swankiness of Budapest first-hand, all while getting a healthful rejuvenation, visit St. Gellert Baths Budapest. Budapest is the city of Spas and thermal waters were first exploited here by the Romans. They had over 15 baths built and the foundations can still be seen today. The Ottomans also made use of the healing waters during their 150 year rule and baths from this period can be seen at Rudas and Kiraly. Szechenyi may be the largest spa complex in Europe today, by it’s the St. Gellert Thermal Baths Budapest which are most elegant.
The St. Gellert Thermal Baths were opened to the public in 1918. Built in the Secessionist (Art Nouveau) style, the hotel and spa complex feature ornate sculptures and gorgeous wall, ceiling, and floor mosaics. Don’t miss the main hall with its gallery and glass roof, which is open to the public. Interior design and architecture aren’t the only reason to visit. The primary attraction is the medicinal water. Featuring natrium, calcium-magnesium-hydrogene-carbonates, sulphates-chlorides and fluoride-ion, bathing here is actually prescribed by doctors for medical treatment.
The St. Gellert Thermal Baths Budapest include 4 thermal water pools ranging in temperature from 35-40 degrees Celsius, cold immersion pools, swimming pools, outdoor pools and thermal baths, as well as steam rooms and saunas. Soaking outdoors in the winter is especially invigorating. Plan a few hours for your visit.
If you go:
Entry costs 5,100 HUF (16 Euro) for the day. Hours: 06:00-20:00. St Gellert Baths Budapest are easily reachable by Deák Ferenc tér metro station.
More info: http://www.gellertbath.hu/
Main photo by Juno Kim, others by Stephen Bugno
5