Introduction to Várfürdő
Though he speaks with a German accent, completed most of his training in Germany and, from a fluency perspective prefers to speak German, our company president’s home town is Gyula, Hungary. He grew up training for the Olympics in this very swimming pool:
The Historic Bathhouse Today
This is what it looks like today:
This building is over 500 years old!
Since Gyula is where Erno switched from a career in swimming to become one of the planet’s top metal building envelope experts, we thought you, a fellow lover of historic architecture, might enjoy a little history from this part of the world:
The Origins of the Bath Culture
Five hundred years ago, in 1518, the residents of Gyula had access to a cold-water bath, with a decree assigning the parish priest responsibility for its upkeep. The bathing culture thrived during the Turkish era, introducing hot-water baths. By the late 19th century, Gyula boasted steam baths and multiple outdoor bathing spots.
The Development of Partfürdő
Starting in August 1930, those seeking relaxation were greeted by the Partfürdő, a 60×12-meter bath bordered by a sandy beach, designed by Ferenc Pfaff and Mátyás Schneider. It was situated apart from the Élővíz canal. Fed by the Körös River, the water in the “pool” refreshed several times an hour. Adults paid 60 pengős for entry, while children were charged 30 pengős. Despite a ban on swimming upstream from Partfürdő, bathers gradually returned, causing the pool’s water to become murky over time. Despite the best efforts of Pfaff and Schneider, Partfürdő’s condition worsened significantly by the end of World War II.
The Vision of the Almásy Family
The establishment of a medicinal spa captivated not only these architects but also the Almásy family, who envisioned a resort in the expansive garden of their estate. Initially offering the castle and park for sale to the city, they later divided the park into plots. In 1942, with their intervention, the Bath and Resort Joint Stock Company was formed. However, despite positive geological assessments, the project faced setbacks. Drilling attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to wartime challenges. Although warm water was found at 1,100 meters deep, its yield and temperature fell short of expectations. The associated 50-square-meter pool became known as “Abaházi bácsi’s corn remover.”
Overcoming Challenges
Undeterred by these challenges, Gyula’s residents pressed on. In 1957, the City Council, with public support, decided to drill a thermal well at all costs. To fund this ambitious project, the city issued bath construction bonds, which could be exchanged for entry tickets upon project success. Estimates suggest that between 200,000 to over 350,000 forints were raised. By 1958, drilling began with the assistance of experts from the Cegléd Deep Drilling Company. On September 17, 1958, jubilation marked the discovery of the thermal spring. The water, at 71°C, belonged to the sodium-hydrogen-carbonate family, ideal for treating various ailments.
The Spa’s Success
With the spa’s success, visitor numbers surged. The Várfürdő, named by local students, drew 80,000 visitors in its first year and over 250,000 in its second. The city’s commitment to tourism was evident with the introduction of mandatory swimming lessons for children and the construction of a 50-meter competition pool by 1972.
Amenities and Botanical Treasures
As the spa grew in popularity, so did its amenities. New catering establishments opened, offering a range of dishes, including local specialties like lángos and Csaba sausage.
Beyond its therapeutic waters, Várfürdő is renowned for its botanical treasures. The 8.5-hectare park surrounding the Almásy Castle has been meticulously preserved since the bath’s inception. Today, the park boasts over 10,000 flowers and nearly a hundred tree and shrub species, making it a verdant oasis in the heart of Gyula. Among its notable trees is the “Erkel tree,” under which the renowned composer finalized one of his masterpieces.
If you’re interested in authentic solutions for your historic project, contact the people who understand history and know how to honor your heritage site with the permanent solutions it deserves!
Call today! 801-462-5264
Would you like to learn a little more about us and how we can help you with your next historic project? Click here: https://spenglerindustries.com/thank-you-free-download/ and click the orange button to download the free guide.
Here are a few more historic photos of Várfürdő:
Further reading:
History of Gyula:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyula (Wikipedia entry about Gyula, Hungary)
Thermal Baths in Hungary:https://www.budapestbylocals.com/thermal-baths-hungary/ (Information about Hungary’s famous thermal baths)