The building was erected between 1883 and 1886, according to the plans of the Hungarian architect Alpár Ignat, following a national architectural competition held under the patronage of the Ministry of Finance.
7 projects were presented at this competition. The project included various facilities: 70 treatment tubs, 10 stone baths, 2 saunas, 2 inhalation rooms, a waiting room and a cloakroom. In total, approximately 100 people could receive treatment at the same time.
The construction costs, excluding the Cast Iron Bridge, were 220,000 forints (the equivalent of about 4.5 million euros today). The spring and the public bath will be named Szapáry, after the Minister of Finance Szapáry Gyula.
Sursa: herculaneproject.ro