The European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) will hold an event this October in Budapest to celebrate European thermal heritage.

Between 100 and 150 people will gather on 12 October at the Gellert Baths, first opened in 1918, as the landmark thermal spa celebrates its 100th anniversary, which also coincides with the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.

Organisers hope to tie these two events together, highlighting thermal heritage’s importance as one of the foundation stones of European culture.

“Gellert Baths is the ultimate expression of European thermalism, and therefore, it is the perfect moment to highlight the mark that thermal heritage has in European culture,” said Mario Crecente, an architect based in Spain and one of the organisers of the event.

The EHTTA was formed to promote Europe’s thermal heritage by highlighting its health and wellbeing properties, as well as to create tourism destinations and protect cultural landscapes. The group is also in charge of the development and implementation of the Cultural Route of Historic Thermal Towns – one of just 31 Cultural Routes designated by the Council of Europe.

The ‘Celebration of Thermal Heritage’ event is free of charge and is aimed at anyone interested in thermal heritage and thermal tourism, along with researchers and municipal representatives.