Budapest is a city of wonders and has a lot to offer to its visitors. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is its thermal baths, which are known for their healing and rejuvenating properties. The Gellért Thermal Baths Budapest are particularly famous for their stunning Art Nouveau architecture and warm medicinal waters. In this article, we’ll explore the history and features of the Gellért Thermal Baths, and provide you with useful information on how to make the most of your visit.
The History of Gellért Thermal Baths
The Gellért Thermal Baths have a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century when the Turks occupied Hungary. The original bathhouse was built during the 16th century in Turkish style, and it was known as the “Hajdú Bath.” It was destroyed during the siege of Buda in 1686 and rebuilt in 1894 in Art Nouveau style.
During World War II, the Gellért Thermal Baths suffered severe damage, but they were restored in the 1950s to their former glory. Since then, thermal baths have become one of the most popular attractions in Budapest, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Features of Gellért Thermal Baths
The Gellért Thermal Baths offer a wide range of services, including Budapest thermal baths, swimming pools, and saunas. The thermal water at Gellért contains valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and fluoride, which have healing properties for various ailments, including arthritis, joint pain, and respiratory problems.
One of the unique features of the Gellért Thermal Baths is its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. The main hall of the bathhouse is adorned with colorful mosaics, stained glass windows, and marble columns, creating an atmosphere of luxury and elegance.
The Gellért Thermal Baths offer a wide range of massages and treatments, including aroma massage, hot stone massage, and Thai massage. The bathhouse also has a gym and offers yoga and aqua fitness classes.
Tips for Visiting Gellért Thermal Baths
Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Gellért Thermal Baths:
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Book your tickets in advance
The Gellért Thermal Baths are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
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Bring your own towel and flip flops
While the Gellért Thermal Baths provide towels and flip-flops for rent, it’s more convenient to bring your own.
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Respect the rules and regulations
The Gellért Thermal Baths have certain rules and regulations that visitors are required to follow. For example, visitors are required to shower before entering the pools and are not allowed to wear swimsuits in the saunas.
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Try the thermal water
The thermal water at Gellért contains valuable minerals that have healing properties. So, don’t miss the opportunity to take a dip in the warm medicinal waters.
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Explore the bathhouse
The Gellért Thermal Baths are not just about swimming pools and saunas. Take some time to explore the stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the bathhouse.
Conclusion
The Gellért Thermal Baths in Budapest is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the healing properties of thermal water in a stunning Art Nouveau setting. With its wide range of services, including thermal baths, swimming pools, saunas, and massages, the Gellért Thermal Baths offer something for everyone.
