Szent Lukács Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda: Serene Healing Oasis in Budapest
Located on the picturesque banks of the Danube, St. Lukacs Spa boasts an enviable location and a rich tapestry of history spanning over seven centuries. This World Heritage Site is a testament to Budapest’s deep-rooted spa culture and the myriad architectural influences that have shaped it over the years.
In the 12th century, the Knights of St. John the Baptist, and subsequently the Knights of Rhodes and Malta, established their presence in the vicinity of today’s St. Lukacs Baths. Alongside their monastic establishments, they constructed a bathhouse, which continued operations even during the Turkish occupation. However, the bathhouse served a more utilitarian purpose during this period, aiding in gunpowder production and grain milling.
Post the Turkish period and Buda’s reconquest; the baths transitioned into treasury ownership. It was only in 1884 that Philip Palotay purchased the baths and embarked on a comprehensive transformation. The subsequent years witnessed the emergence of a spa hotel, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy department, and the reconstruction of the swimming pool. This spa rapidly became a hub for healing, with patients commemorating their recuperation through marble plaques that adorned the spa’s courtyard.
The 20th century brought with it more developments. 1937 saw the establishment of the baths’ drinking hall. Several decades later, in 1979, the Lukács Spa pioneered the concept of the complex spa, introducing a day hospital. By 1999, the outdoor pools underwent modernization, incorporating an adventure pool replete with many therapeutic features, such as underwater whirlpools, back massage jets, and more.
Today, visitors can bask in pools with temperatures ranging from 22 to 40 degrees Celsius, offering a variety of experiences. The water, rich in calcium-magnesium-hydrogen carbonate and sulfate-chloride, also contains a significant fluoride ion content, particularly beneficial for numerous health conditions.
The spa’s thermal waters are renowned for their therapeutic properties, especially for ailments like degenerative joint diseases, herniated discs, nerve entrapment, chronic arthritis, and post-injury conditions.
In essence, St. Lukacs’s Spa beautifully marries its illustrious history with modern spa therapies, offering visitors an unparalleled rejuvenation experience amid a backdrop of ancient tales and architectural grandeur.