Fürdőmúzeum

About the museum

One of the rooms of the bath of the Aquincum legionary camp was discovered in 1778 during the first archaeological excavation at Aquincum. István Schönvisner, who led the excavation, published his results in the same year. The excavated section was soon presented to the public in a protective building, which made it Hungary’s first archaeological excavation and monument.

The monumental building, measuring 120 × 140 metres, stood at the intersection of the camp’s two main roads. It was built in the 2nd century and rebuilt several times; its Latin name, Thermae Maiores, was preserved in a rebuilding inscription from AD 268. A gymnasium, cold, lukewarm and hot-water pools, bath tubs, a sweating chamber and rooms with underfloor heating served to refresh the soldiers. The last rebuilding of the bath took place in the first half of the 4th century.

The ruin area was expanded in 1962 with newly excavated and conserved sections, and the museum was established afterwards. Between 1981 and 1984, two canopies were built over the ruins, which partly protect them from the weather. The exhibition site belongs to the Aquincumi Múzeum (Aquincum Museum) of the Budapesti Történeti Múzeum (Budapest History Museum); its entrance opens from the branch of the Flórián tér underpass that leads towards Tavasz utca.

Highlights

• Remains of the bath of the legionary camp, the Thermae Maiores
• Hungary’s first archaeological excavation and monument (1778)
• Copy of the rebuilding inscription from AD 268
• Reconstructed drawing of the building at the entrance

Permanent exhibition

• A legiotábor fürdője – Thermae Maiores – The exhibition presents the excavated walls and pools of the bath of the Aquincum legionary camp, with a copy of the inscription and a reconstructed drawing of the bath.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Budapesti Történeti Múzeum – Aquincumi Múzeum

Admission & discounts

The Fürdő Múzeum is temporarily closed to visitors.

Accessibility

The Fürdő Múzeum is temporarily closed to visitors.

Kids & families

The Fürdő Múzeum is temporarily closed to visitors.

Getting there & parking

The entrance opens from the branch of the Flórián tér underpass that leads towards Tavasz utca.

Amenities & dining

The Fürdő Múzeum is temporarily closed to visitors.

Events & venue rental

The Fürdő Múzeum is temporarily closed to visitors.