Rudas Baths

Situated near the Buda bridgehead of the Erzsébet Bridge in Budapest, Hungary, the Rudas Spa exemplifies the city’s historical significance and steadfast dedication to wellbeing. This Turkish bath, referred to as “ilidzsá” or “kaplidzsá,” has predominantly endured from the Ottoman era, presenting guests with a historical perspective and contemporary medicinal advantages.

The Rudas spa’s origins date to the 13th century, with its springs being noted in 1292. During the Anjou dynasty, these springs were celebrated for their therapeutic qualities, drawing people from far locations. The area where the spa is located was formerly controlled by the Archbishop of Kalocsa prior to the Ottoman takeover of Hungary.

The Rudas spa exhibits a clear Turkish influence in its architectural and historical context. In 1556, Ali Pasha of Buda commenced renovations on the ancient bath. Subsequently, Mustafa Szokollu reconstructed the edifice, naming it the “Green Column Bath” since one of the eight columns holding the vault over the bath pool is green. The Turkish word “yeşil direkli ılıca” signifies the visual uniqueness that has enthralled tourists for generations.

The derivation of the spa’s present designation, “Rudas,” is a topic of contention among scholars. Some contend it pertains to the bar of the boat that once conveyed passengers from Pest to the spa. Some suggest a South Slavic etymology, stemming from the term “ruda,” which translates to mine, correlating with the German expression “Mineralbad” (mineral bath). The transformation of the name from “Rudna Ilidja” to “Rudas Spa” illustrates the linguistic and cultural influences that have molded the bath’s identity throughout history.

The Rudas spa complex is an architectural masterpiece consisting of three separate components. The southern section, previously accommodating a bottling facility, was converted into a contemporary spa area in 2014. A notable feature is the rooftop open-air pool, providing bathers with sweeping vistas of the Danube and the lively waterfront underneath. The middle area has the swimming pool facility, while the northern half retains the domed edifice of the Turkish-era bath, resulting in a cohesive fusion of ancient and modern components.

The spa’s amenities accommodate diverse tastes and therapeutic requirements. The indoor swimming pool, distinguished as the warmest therapeutic water pool in Budapest at 29°C, is partitioned to facilitate various swimming methods. Next to this is a sauna, offering tourists other leisure alternatives. The steam bath area, situated in a distinct section of the structure, has Budapest’s hottest spa pool at a comforting 42°C. This area features pools with diverse temperatures, from a refreshing 16°C plunge pool to soothing 36°C spas, enabling guests to enjoy the advantages of contrast treatment.

The geological abundance of the region is seen in the 21 thermal springs that provide the Rudas spa. Prominent among them are the Árpád I, II, and III, Beatrix, Mátyás, Gül Baba, Török, Kossuth, Kara Mustzafa, and Rákóczi springs. The Hygieia and Diána springs predominantly provide the swimming pool. The spa’s drinking hall provides guests the chance to taste water from the Attila (sulfur), Hungária (hydrocarbonate), and Juventus (radium) springs, each claimed to provide distinct health advantages.

The mineral content of the spa’s water is a crucial determinant of its therapeutic efficacy. Gyula Weszelszky analyzed the radioactive hot water in the early 20th century, revealing its richness in sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and sulfate. The substantial presence of fluoride ions amplifies its therapeutic efficacy. These mineral-rich waters are especially advised for persons afflicted with degenerative joint illnesses, chronic and subacute arthritis, disc herniation, nerve damage, and calcium deficiencies in the skeletal system.

The Rudas spa has adopted a cutting-edge proxy wristwatch access control system to align with contemporary conveniences. This technology improves the tourist experience by storing personal information on a chip, enabling guests to effortlessly find their designated lockers or rooms and safely access their possessions during their stay.