a real institution

by Justine (Jan 4, 2005)

Hungary is often well known for its "goulash", but it is also famous for its baths. Baths are a real institution. If you go to Budapest, don't be surprised of seeing many people carrying a plastic bag: they are transporting their swimming belongings. Baths are open from 6 am to 9 pm. Budapestians have been used to going to baths for ages. There are 123 warm springs in Budapest.

The Romans, then the Turks established this tradition. The Turks, who occupied the country for 150 years (in the XVIth and XVIIth century), built many hammams and baths but there are only 4 left: Rudas, Ràc, Kiràly and Csaszar. They were built on the same pattern: marble stairs leading to a cupola room containing an octagonal swimming pool. Smaller pools with different temperatures, ranging from frozen to boiling, surround this room. Turkish establishments aren't mixed. There are open days for women and open days for men, whereas most recent establishments accept men and women together.

Open in 1914, Széchenyi baths form the biggest hydropathical complex of Europe. The spring supply ing the pools is so warm that you can bathe outside even in winter. The three main outdoor swimming pools have temperatures of 27, 34 and 38°C!

Baths are the main entertainment at weekends, even in winter, and are part of their daily life. Budapestians go to baths in order to swim, play chess, chat, rest, relax, and treat their pains, as rheumatoid arthritis or fibrosis. 

A massage, a sauna, and of course a shower can finish your bathing. No sooner have you left Széchenyi baths than you feel an impression of well-being, followed by a small hunger. Why not taste typical Hungarian pastries, like the Rètes or the somtói galuska?

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