Anna Thermal Bath
Csongrád
Anna Thermal Bath, located in the heart of Szeged, Hungary, is a historic thermal bath renowned for its eclectic architectural style that blends neorenaissance and Turkish influences. Built in 1896 based on the designs of Viennese architects Adolf Láng and Antal Steinhardt, the bath features a richly decorated street facade and was originally designed with separate male and female sections, though operationally these were managed by different opening hours. The bath gained its name from the Anna well, drilled in 1927, which produces 52°C medicinal water known for treating digestive and thyroid ailments. Over the decades, the facility underwent several renovations, including significant structural modifications between 1906 and 1909 and modernization efforts in the 1950s. In 2004, the bath was fully restored to preserve its original style while creating distinct areas for therapeutic treatments and modern wellness services. Today, Anna Thermal Bath continues to serve as a center for health treatments, including rheumatology, while offering visitors a unique blend of historical ambiance and therapeutic bathing experiences.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or outside peak hours to enjoy a more peaceful experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for therapeutic treatments. The bath accepts SZÉP cards for payment, offering a convenient option for Hungarian visitors. Combining a visit to Anna Thermal Bath with a walk through Szeged's city center enhances the cultural experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Anna Thermal Bath building showcases a unique combination of neorenaissance and Turkish architectural styles, reflecting Szeged's cultural influences.
- •The medicinal water from the Anna well, drilled in 1927, is 52°C and is used to treat digestive and thyroid conditions.
- •During World War II, a 50-person air raid shelter was constructed in the bath's basement.
- •The bath was originally called "Gőzfürdő" (Steam Bath) and has retained this name colloquially among locals.
- •The 2004 restoration separated the medicinal bath section from the newly created wellness area, balancing tradition with modern needs.
History
Following the devastating 1879 flood in Szeged, the city had only one poorly equipped public bath.
To meet growing demand, the city commissioned a new bath inspired by Turkish bath culture after a study trip by István Ádok.
The Anna Thermal Bath was constructed on a site in the city center and opened on September 6, 1896.
Initial design ambitions were scaled back during construction, and operational challenges required major renovations between 1906 and 1909.
In 1927, the Anna well was drilled nearby, introducing medicinal thermal water to the bath, which elevated its status to a recognized medicinal spa by 1938.
The bath was modernized in the 1950s, including structural upgrades and the addition of mud therapy facilities.
A comprehensive restoration in 2004 preserved its historic architecture while adapting it for contemporary wellness and medical uses.
Place Guide
Main Bathing Halls1896
The central bathing areas feature richly decorated interiors with separate times for men and women, preserving the original spatial concept while accommodating modern use.
Anna Well1927
Drilled in 1927 near the bath, this well provides 52°C thermal water with therapeutic properties for digestive and thyroid ailments, integral to the bath's medicinal treatments.
Mud Therapy Area1950s
Established in the 1950s by converting former commercial spaces, this area offers therapeutic mud treatments as part of the bath's health services.
Air Raid Shelter1940s
Built during World War II in the bath's basement, this shelter could accommodate 50 people, reflecting the bath's role in the community beyond recreation.
Contact
Phone: (06 62) 553 330
