The heat of these baths is said to be similar to the heat of the King’s Bath in England. There are seven baths in total, and each one is used by different groups of people. The first is called the Nobleman’s Bath, and it is mainly used by persons of high rank. The second is the Gentleman’s Bath, for respectable visitors and travelers. The third is the Countryman’s Bath, and the fourth is the Countrywoman’s Bath, both meant for ordinary people from the countryside Return from the Mine and Warm Welcome.
The fifth is known as the Beggar’s Bath, which was set aside for the poor. The sixth bath is for those who suffer from serious diseases, especially the illness once called the Lues Venerea. The seventh bath is reserved for other special uses and visitors who require separate bathing. These baths are placed in a wide plain that is surrounded on all sides by hills. The highest hills lie toward the east, and they belong to the same chain of hills that are rich in metals on the other side. This shows that the region is not only known for mining but also for its mineral springs and healing waters.
Personal Experience at the Baths
I bathed in one of these baths and found the company there to be pleasant and friendly. Because of the good conversation and company, I stayed longer than I had first intended. However, the heat of the bath was strong, and I later felt some discomfort because I remained in it for too long. For this reason, I could not fully approve of the custom that some people had, which was to eat, drink, and even sleep while they were bathing. Such habits seemed unhealthy, especially in hot water, and could easily cause weakness or inconvenience to the body Sightseeing Turkey Tours.
Journey from Stabn Bad to Boinitz
From Stabn Bad we continued our journey to Boinitz. On the way, we crossed the River Nitra and passed by Privitz, a large town which we left on our left side. At Boinitz there are also five natural baths. These baths are of a moderate and gentle heat, making them very pleasant and comfortable for bathing. They are greatly improved and beautified by Count Palfi, the Palatine of Hungary, who had them carefully maintained.
All of these baths are covered under one large roof, which protects them from the weather. The first bath, called the Nobleman’s Bath, is built of stone and is entered by descending steps on all sides. The other four baths are made of wood, but they are still very handsome and well constructed. It was a delightful sight to see the boys and girls diving quickly and eagerly to pick up anything that was thrown into the water, showing both their skill and playfulness.
Natural Resources of the Region
Around this part of the country there grows a great quantity of saffron. This plant is valuable and well known for its color and use in cooking and medicine. The presence of saffron, along with the mineral waters and baths, shows that the land is rich in natural resources and useful plants.
Long Journey to Trenfchin
From Boinitz we traveled to Wejlonitz, which is about two Hungarian miles away. The next day we continued our journey and arrived at Trenfchin, which they count as four Hungarian miles. However, these miles are very long, and the journey was tiring. We were traveling from before sunrise until eight o’clock at night before we finally reached the end of our journey.
Trenfchin is a handsome town situated on the River Waag, over which there is a wooden bridge. The main square, or piazza, is fair and spacious, and the Jesuits’ church is very elegant and well built. The castle stands very high above the town and can be seen from a great distance, even from twenty English miles away. It formerly belonged to the noble family of the Graff Jellhasay.
Mineral Springs and Notable Encounters
About a mile from the town there are two warm baths, and throughout the surrounding countryside there are many mineral springs. These springs are known for their special properties and are often visited by travelers. During our stay, we met Count Rothall, who was traveling from the Emperor to meet the commissioners of Prince Abaffi of Transylvania at a place of treaty.
I requested some of his attendants to make careful inquiries about the salt mines in that region and in other nearby places, following the instructions I gave them. Later, I received an account from them concerning these mines, which added further knowledge about the natural riches and industry of the country.
