THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510270070
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
FROM THE time of the Romans, Hungary has been known for its healing waters. Scattered throughout the country are more than 1,000 hot springs, most containing minerals that Romans, Turks and Europeans regarded as therapeutic.
Romans were the first to take advantage of these hot springs. In addition to soaking in them, Romans piped the hot water into their homes for heating during winter.
But the Ottoman Turks can be credited with introducing sophisticated spa culture to Hungary. The Turks, who occupied Hungary during the 16th and 17th centuries, built Turks domed bathhouses that became common throughout Hungary. One of the oldest of those Turkish-style baths in Budapest, the Rudas, has stood for four centuries.
Package deals are available for three- to 14-day stays at spa hotels in Budapest, including the Gellert, the Thermal Hotel and the luxurious Ramada Grand Hotel. Each has thermal baths with minerals that supposedly alleviate a menu of specific maladies, ranging from digestive disorders to spondylotis.
In planning your visit, it's advisable to match your disease with the hotel's mineral concoction to make certain you don't waste your money. by CNB