Budapest is famous by its more than 30 bathing halls served by the richest mineral springs of Europe. Many of these bathing halls have been recognized as spas, and they are one of the main tourist attractions of not only Budapest but the entire Hungary as well, receiving visitors from around the world on a constant basis, many of whom plan their vacation in Hungary with the main purpose of meeting these spots.
The origins of these bathing halls can be traced back to beginnings of the 1st century, when Romans arrived to this region of Europe and discovered the mineral waters of Budapest. After discovering these mineral waters, the Romans constructed aqueducts and bathing buildings, being these considered as the origins of the actual bathing halls.
During the Roman times, Budapest had 14 different baths spread throughout the city. After the Romans, the Turks also built several baths served by mineral springs, and eight of them can still be visited nowadays, being the oldest bathing halls of Budapest. One of the most famous bath halls built during the Turkish times is the bath of Rudas. Rudas was constructed in the 16th century and, besides its mineral waters, offers a very attractive architectonic structure and historical past.
It is believed that the mineral waters of the bathing halls of Budapest are curative and can help overcoming a variety of health related problems. Among the health problems these bathing halls would cure, we can name, for example, digestive system disorders, dental diseases, heart diseases, and nervous disorders, among several others.
One of the most famous bathing halls of Budpaest is Szechenyi. Szechenyi is located within the central area of the City Park and not only its waters contain an important amount of different minerals, but it also offers a very attractive architectonic structure as well. Other bathing hall tourists should not miss while visiting Budapest is Gellert. The bathing hall of Gellert counts with waters which have minerals such as sulphate, magnesium, calcium, and alkali chloride, and is served by a spring which has been used for curative effects for more than 2 millenniums.