Publications
Territorial Inequalities of Medicinal Waters, as Natural Healing Factors, in Hungary
Hungary exhibits relatively low territorial inequality and concentration of medicinal waters, which are pivotal to its medical tourism and spa treatment sector. A study analyzing polarization and distribution indicators revealed that the Northern and Southern Great Plains regions, along with Zala, Vas, Heves counties, and Budapest, are the most developed in terms of medicinal water utilization. These findings underscore the need for equalizing territorial disparities to optimize the sustainable use of these natural healing resources. The research also highlights the importance of further development planning for spa towns and treatments, ensuring they align with local medicinal water availability while addressing public and service provider needs.
Europe's famous spa towns - the long road to the World Heritage List
Eleven European spa towns, representing the best examples of their unique urbanistic and architectural typology, were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in July 2021. These towns—Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary, and Mariánské Lázně (Czech Republic); Baden bei Wien (Austria); Bad Ems, Bad Kissingen, and Baden-Baden (Germany); Spa (Belgium); Montecatini Terme (Italy); Vichy (France); and Bath (UK)—developed around mineral springs and boast meticulously landscaped spa environments integral to their therapeutic routines. The study traces the two-decade journey of this international nomination, highlighting the challenges and achievements in recognizing these sites for their cultural significance.
Great spa towns of Europe as an urban phenomenon
The Great Spa Towns of Europe, comprising 11 historic spa towns across seven European countries, represent a unique urban phenomenon characterized by their distinctive urbanism and balneological landscapes. Despite extensive documentation submitted for UNESCO World Heritage recognition—spanning over 1,500 pages—the nuanced similarities and differences in their development were scattered, making comprehensive analysis challenging. This study synthesizes these aspects, highlighting the evolutionary connections that define these towns' urban and spa landscapes. By integrating historical, social, and balneological perspectives, it offers a cohesive framework for understanding their cultural significance.
Esteban Castañer Muñoz, Laurent Jalabert et Nicolas Meynen (dirs.), Thermalisme et patrimoines dans les zones de montagne en Europe du xviiie au
Eleven European spa towns, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the designation 'The Great Spa Towns of Europe,' exemplify a unique cultural phenomenon that flourished from the 18th century to the 1930s. These sites represent an innovative urban model characterized by therapeutic and recreational buildings integrated into a distinctive thermal environment. The recognition highlights their historical significance, marking a pivotal moment in the preservation of European spa culture as part of global heritage.
Estaciones termales europees: entre la ciudad y el territorio
European spa towns, particularly those that flourished as tourist destinations during the 19th century, exhibit unique urban structures shaped by their thermal territories. These enclaves often feature key architectural and urban developments located at the boundary between city and landscape, providing critical insights into their historical growth and territorial relationships. The study highlights how these spa towns' special qualities have made them enduringly attractive, influencing both urban planning and landscape integration over time.
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