Page 96 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Budapest

94  BUD APEST AREA B Y AREA

1 Gellért Hotel and Baths Complex
Gellért Szálló és Fürdő

Between 1912–18, this hotel and spa was built in the
modernist Secession style (see pp56–9) at the foot of
Gellért Hill. The earliest re ference to the existence of
healing waters at this spot dates from the 13th century,
during the reign of King András II, and in the Middle
Ages a hospital stood on the site. Baths built here by
the Ottomans were referred to by the renowned Turkish
travel writer of the day, Evliya Çelebi. The architects of the
hotel were Ármin Hegedűs, Artúr Sebestyén and Izidor Outdoor Wave Pool
Sterk. It was destroyed in 1945, but then rebuilt and An early swimming pool with a wave
modernized. The hotel has several restaurants and cafés. mechanism, built in 1927, is situated
The baths include an institute of water therapy, set at the back of the complex, looking
within Secession interiors, but with modern facilities. towards Gellért Hill behind.

. Baths
Two separate baths, one for
men and one for women, are
identically arranged. In each
there are three plunge pools,
with water at different
temperatures, a sauna
and a steam bath.

Balconies
The balconies fronting the hotel’s rooms have
fanciful Secession balustrades that are decorated
with lyre and bird motifs.

. Entrance Hall
The interiors of the hotel, like the baths, have kept their
original Secession decor, with elaborate mosaics,
stained-glass windows and statues.

094-095_EW_Budapest.indd 94 21/10/2016 17:10
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm