Healing Springs Of Baden bei Wien
Famous thermal springs in Baden bei Wien, sometimes called Baden, have been utilized for healing and relaxation since antiquity. German for “bathing,” the town has been called “the Austrian Carlsbad” or “the Imperial Spa” because of its renown among European aristocracy and royalty. Apart from offering a wealth of sights and activities, Baden boasts a rich history and culture.
Angel Bath (Engelsbad)
Engelsbad, or Angel Bath, is Baden’s most well-known spring. It was founded in 1755 and Joseph Kornhäusel redesigned it in 1821. Johann Martin Fischer carved the angel sculptures that grace the entryway, which are the reason the spa bears his name. Because the water has a high concentration of sulfur and other minerals that are good for the skin, respiratory system, and metabolism, it is still utilized for both bathing and drinking treatments. Additionally adjacent to the spa is the Sauerhof, a magnificent hotel constructed in 1820 by Baron von Doblhoff-Dier. Known visitors of the Sauerhof, the first free-standing hotel in Europe, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Franz Schubert, and Ludwig van Beethoven. These days, the Engelsbad rehabilitation facility is connected to the BVAEB, an insurance firm for mining, railway workers, and public officers. The facility provides a number of programs and therapies for osteoporosis, arthritis, and rheumatism. Among the most outstanding examples of neoclassical architecture in Austria is the Roman-style bath at the center.
Franzensbad
First tapped in 1827, the Franzensbad is another therapeutic spring in Baden. The Lower Austrian province government built the Spa, which bears the name of the then-reigning Emperor Franz I. The bath was meant to offer the poor, particularly those residing in the charity home, access to bathing facilities. Although the bath is high in temperature—36°C—it has little mineral content, which is ideal for unwinding and increasing circulation. Added in 1845, the spa also has a stunning colonnade. The bath has hosted a hammam since 2004 that provides a range of beauty and health treatments including wraps, peels, and massages. Traditional Turkish bathing, the hammam, cleanses and revitalizes the body and mind with steam, water, and aromatherapy. Men and women can reserve the hammam for solo or group sessions.
Frauenbad
Charles Moreau designed the neoclassical Frauenbad bathing temple in 1821. The emperor himself frequented the bath for personal hygiene; it was reserved only for the elite. The Frauen- and Neuquelle, two historic bathing structures situated on opposing sides of the Marien, a church destroyed in 1812, were rebuilt by the bath. High sulfur content in the bath benefits the skin and neurological system. Johann Nepomuk Schödlberger painted the dome that adorns the spa as well. Redesigned inside in 1878, the structure has been used as an exhibition hall since 1994. There it has been home to the Arnulf Rainer Museum ever since 2009. The museum features the abstract and overpaintings of Austrian modern painter and sculptor Arnulf Rainer. In addition, the museum presents events and temporary exhibitions.
Leopoldsbad
Rebuilt by municipal authorities in 1812, the Leopoldsbad, also called Heiligenkreuzer Bad. One does not know who designed the structure. Up until 1939, the structure housed a bathing facility; from 1972, it was used by a mineral water firm to bottle water. Because it is so warm—38°C—and has less sulfur, spring is perfect for relieving joint and muscular pain. Inspiring the building’s spherical temple was the Pantheon in Rome. The neoclassical structure houses the Baden Tourist Office since 1995. The tourist office offers maps, brochures, tickets, and guided tours among other services and information to tourists. All year long, the tourism office also plans a number of festivals and events, including the Baden Advent Market, the Baden Jazz Festival, and the Baden Wine Festival.
Josefsbad
Till 1650, the Augustinian hermit convent held the Josefsbad, originally known as Rohrbadel am Anger. That year the city acquired control of it. Moderate sulfur level in the bath benefits the immune system and digestion. An oblong Vesta temple was erected to the baroque structure of the spa in 1804. Royal and imperial court architect Louis Montoyer created this structure. Operating as a restaurant since the 1970s, The Josefsbad provides a range of food and beverages in a warm and historic setting. A patio of the restaurant also gives a view of the casino and Kurpark.
Mariazellerhof
Historic Mariazellerhof was formerly a charity home for the ill and impoverished. Emperor Franz I made a donation of it in 1805 with the intention of giving individuals who could not afford bathing facilities. The structure is next to a thermal spring, which provides the baths’ water. In 1825, the Mariazellerhof was extended and turned into a hospital for different illnesses. As of right now, the building is a part of the contemporary spa hotel Hotel Badener Hof, which provides a variety of health treatments while maintaining the original buildings. The emperor and the municipality of Baden are credited with their kindness and charity with the Mariazellerhof.
Trinkhalle
Included to the Kurhaus in 1928 is the magnificent art deco Trinkhalle. Drinking water from the springs was intended to be served at the Trinkhalle. The large foyer of the structure is now a restaurant within the casino. Artistic fountains, marble columns, and vibrant mosaics adorn the Trinkhalle. Beautiful illustration of the art deco style and the refinement of Baden’s spa culture is the Trinkhalle.
Kurhaus
The drinking hall and the old baths were replaced with the magnificent Kurhaus between 1885 and 1886. With its array of entertainment and recreational choices, the Kurhaus was intended to be the focal point of the spa town. The ballroom, Stadttheater and Congress Casino are all housed in this edifice. Originally the first year-round casino in Austria, the Congress Casino is today the second biggest in Europe. Built to replace the Redoutensaal in 1908, the Stadttheater is the venue for a variety of cultural activities. Balls and concerts are held in the magnificent ballroom, which was brought back to its former look in 1999. Stunning in its architecture, the Kurhaus displays Baden’s past and culture.
Peregrinibad
Dated 1770, the Peregrinibad is the oldest bath house still in existence in Baden. Built primarily as a foot bath, it was expanded into a complete bathhouse in 1798. From 1846 until 1995, the mineral swimming school occupied the structure and filled its pools with thermal water. Nowadays, the natural springs’ administrative offices are housed in this structure. A little stone fountain with sulfur water—which is reputed to have therapeutic qualities—accompanies the bathtub. A historical landmark, the Peregrinibad honors Baden’s long history of thermal bathing.
Johannes- und Ferdinandsbad
The two ancient baths, the Johannes- und Ferdinandsbad, were constructed for the underprivileged. Built in 1715 as the first river spa in Baden, the Johannesbad. In 1802, it was superseded by a bathing temple with lodgings. Notable for housing Ludwig van Beethoven in 1807, the bathing temple is still in existence today. Named for the reigning emperor, Ferdinandsbad was established in 1838. After its therapeutic wing was finished in 1914, the Ferdinandsbad was renamed the Theater am Steg, a theater and music venue. Two ancient baths, the Johannes- und Ferdinandsbad, highlight Baden’s artistic and social elements.
Römerquelle
Underneath the Kurpark summer arena rises the Römerquelle, a thermal spring. Around 50 AD, Roman legionnaires found the spring and constructed a sizable bathing complex near its source. Found in 1796, the ruins of this establishment demonstrate the scope and significance of the Roman bath in Baden. Roman in history, the name of the spa town Baden comes from the Latin word AQUAE, which meaning bath or springs. An historical spring called Römerquelle unites Baden’s history and present.
