Lukács Baths
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The Lukács Thermal Bath (Hungarian: Szt. Lukács gyógyfürdő) is a historic indoor/outdoor thermal bath spa in Budapest, Hungary, heated naturally by hotsprings.
History
Thermal baths have been used at the location since at least the 12th century (by the Knights Hospitallers, and one remaining interior wall is actually the wall of a former Ottoman powder mill (the Császár mill) which used the hot spring water as a source of power.[1]
The first spa hotel was completed in the 1880s, and named for Saint Luke. This spa was expanded with a drinking-water hall constructed in 1937 and a day-use health clinic added in 1979.[2]
One exterior wall of the spa features a variety plaques sent in thanks by people from around the world who feel they were cured by the waters at Lukács.
The Császár Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool located next door to Lukács, is the oldest continually operating thermal bath in Budapest, and was originally built by Szokoli Mustafa. It was redesigned in 1844 by József Hild, and is now part of the National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy.
Facilities
Lukács has four thermal baths, ranging in temperatures from the 26 °C (79 °F) cooling bath to the 40 °C (104 °F) hot bath.
The hot spring water is rich in calcium hyrodgencarbonate, Calcium hydrogensulfite, and magnesium hydrogencarbonate and magnesium hydrogensulphate; chloride; and also contain sodium and a substantial content of fluoride ions.
Facilities also include three outdoor swimming pools:[3]
- Men's pool (368 sq. m, 22 °C (72 °F))
- Women's pool (310 sq. m, 26 °C (79 °F))
- Fancy pool (220 sq. m, 32 to 33 °C (90 to 91 °F)
A steam room, as well as warm and hot saunas are also available to guests.
References
External links
47°31′4.18″N 19°2′12.2″E / 47.5178278°N 19.036722°E
