User:Meszaroslinda/Racz Thermal Bath

RÁCZ THERMAL BATH / RÁCZ THERMAL SPA

The Racz Thermal Bath, located in Budapest (Hungary), is part of the newly built complex of the Rácz Hotel and Thermal Spa. This 8000 sqm bath is renowned for its Turkish Bath dating back to the 16th century and also its Imperial pools and Shower Corridor from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. This historical bath is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage and has been restored and blended into a modern, luxury Thermal and Day Spa including 11 pools, 21 treatment Rooms and a dedicated VIP section. (www.raczhotel.com)

History
Turkish Bath

The oldest part of the Rácz bath is the Turkish Cupola, built in 1572, which was called Kücsük Ilica (Small Thermal) at the time. This cupola remained in a very good state through the centuries and therefore could be authentically restored. The windows, reveals, kurnas (marble basins on the walls), the pool and the floor are still the original ones perfectly renovated to their authentic state thus it looks and can be used like back in the 16th Century. The side cupola adjacent to it was destroyed in 1905 which has also been restored according to its remains found by the archeologists. (Ráday, MTV1 2010)

Ybl Baths and Shower Corridor

The most impressive part of the Rácz Bath was constructed and built by Miklós Ybl in two phases between 1865 and 1870. Approximately 30-40 per cent of the romantic Ybl Cupola and the famous Shower Corridor (1865) remained since it was subject to the bomb attacks of WW II, demolitions in the 1960’s and also in 2002. The rest of this area was rebuilt and restored to its exact original state according to old copper engravings, drawings and documentations. (Ráday, MTV1 2010)

The second, Imperial Cupola, built in 1870, shows changes in the architect’s perspective. Marble is the main material used and several symbolic elements of the age’s modernity can be found on the walls. This part was completely destroyed during the construction of the Elizabeth Bridge however the pieces demolished were buried into the pool and later provided essential information the current reconstruction.(Ráday, MTV1 2010)

Flora Bath

This magnificent section, also built in 1865, of the Rácz Spa brings back the style and atmosphere of the ancient Roman Baths which now serves as the dedicated VIP section of the complex. (Ráday, MTV1 2010)

Modern Day Spa

The last part of the Bath was built adjacent to the historical buildings in the 21st century and accommodates the latest treatments and services with 21 treatment rooms, a business room and a special VIP area. (www.raczhotel.com)

Water Content
The many medical benefits of the Rácz karst water are well documented. It contains calcium, magnesium, hydrogen-carbonate, sulphate-chloride, sodium and fluoride ions. The water together with the services provided offer perfect recreation and further are beneficial for arthritis, spine illnesses, intervertebral disk pains, aortic stenosis, circulatory problems asthma and bronchitis. Number of pools: 11. Water temperatures: 14˚C, 36˚C, 38˚C, 42˚C. (www.vendegvaro.hu)