Rácz Thermal Bath, Budapest

Rácz Thermal Bath in Budapest is located near the Turkish Rudas Baths, near the Elisabeth Bridge. Built and expanded in the beginning of the 21st century, the Rácz Thermal Bath was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is part of the Rácz Hotel & Thermal Spa. The historical part of the baths combines several styles (Ottoman, Renaissance, Romanticism, Neo-Renaissance), supplemented by modern architectural solutions. The restored elements of the buildings are connected by glass façades, corridors and interior spaces with glass walls. According to the architects, such a decision should emphasize the historical value of the building as much as possible.

History of the Thermal Bath

There are suggestions that the baths were founded during the reign of King Matthias. However, historians tend to believe that the baths appeared here during the Ottoman rule in the 16th century. The oldest part of the building is a Turkish bath (a bath with an octagonal dome). It survived after the siege of Buda in 1686, being in the possession of the emperor. After that the bathhouse changed the owner several times.

From 1865 to 1870, the Rácz Thermal Bath was restored and enlarged according to the project of the famous architect Miklós Ybl. Several new baths and halls have been built in the style of Romanticism. They amazed with their beauty and elegance.

In 1934, the Rácz was officially declared therapeutic thermal baths. And in 1935 they were bought by the city authorities.

Bombing of the Second World War has caused damage to the construction. Part of the baths, built by the project of Miklós Ybl was particularly damaged. In 1960, the reconstruction of the building began, which was postponed for several decades.

The Rácz Thermal Bath was restored only in the early 21st century. Architects tried to restore the original appearance of the structure with the utmost precision. The Turkish part of the bath was well preserved, but the buildings of the 19th century had to be rebuilt according to the blueprints.

Services of the Rácz Thermal Bath

The waters of the springs that are used in the baths contain sulfate chloride, calcium, magnesium, and also soda and fluoride ions. They are prescribed in the treatment of diseases of the spine and joints, nervous system, arthritis, problems with blood circulation and asthma. Before use, you need to consult with a physician.

The modern spa center on the basis of the Rácz Thermal Bath offers the following services:

• 14 pools (the temperature of the water in the pools is 14, 36, 38 and 42 ° C);
• Turkish bath;
• shower room (according to the project of Miklós Ybl);
• recreation areas and saunas;
• areas for sunbathing;
• 21 treatment rooms.

How to get there

You can get to the Thermal Bath by bus № 5, 178, 958 or by tram № 56, 56A, Döbrentei tér stop. The nearest metro station (Szent Gellért tér) is a 20-minute walk from the Liberty Bridge.