Spa
Kudowa - Zdrój
The Kudowa Zdrój spa is the most southern branch of Zespół Uzdrowisk Kłodzkich S.A. The town is situated 390-400 m a.s.l. Just like all the spas of the Kłodzko region, it is characterised by a submontane climate, which usually has mildly or moderately stimulating effects, more intensive in winter than in the summer. Kudowa Zdrój is situated in the north-east part of the Kłodzko region. To the north-east of the spa there is the Stołowe Mountain range. The location in a wide mountain valley opening to the south is extremely favourable since the mountain range protects the spa against north and east winds. Due to the width of the valley, air masses heat up gradually and cool down slowly. Good terrain conditions assist the climate, preventing the formation of excessively strong heat stimuli. Summer months are generally cooler than in the lowland, whereas the weather in May and September is much warmer. Kudowa’s climatic properties have beneficial effects on many bodily processes: blood circulation, respiration and digestion, functioning of the muscle and nervous system. Due to relatively cooler summers and slightly warmer winters, the season in the resort lasts all year long.
The first records on Kudowa come from 1477, when a village called Lipolitów existed in this place. In the 16th century a chronicler from Náchod, Ludwik, mentioned the name used in the Czech Republic: “Cermenske Lazne.” Information on the existing mineral water springs comes from 1580 and their therapeutic properties were used as early as in 1636. In the 17th century the famous Aelurius, the oldest researcher of the past of the Kłodzko region, wrote in his “Glatzio-Graphii” that the waters of Kudowa (Chudoba) were used for therapeutic purposes and their taste values exceeded those of wine. In the same century the first wooden bathing installations were built. According to historical records, in 1748 the springs, were owned by a “doctor,” who had several tubs for therapeutic baths. In 1783 the bath facility was purchased by a group of doctors, who treated patients via balneotherapy. The first scientific studies of mineral waters commenced in 1787 and quite accurate analyses were provided in 1795 by Kneiseler. It was then that a wooden bath building with 20 bath tubs was erected, accompanied by a residential building next to it (today’s “Zameczek” sanatorium). In 1850 a fairly accurate analysis of Kudowa waters showed that water from the “Śniadecki” spring contains 0.012 gram of iron arsenate per litre. In 1868 Dr. Jackob used experimental carbon dioxide baths to treat cardiac diseases. The period from 1904 to 1906 witnessed a breakthrough in the history of the Kudowa Zdrój spa. New mineral water springs were discovered, a new bath building was built along with the sanatorium “Polonia,” the old natural treatment facility was expanded, central boiler room was built and a power plant, a sewage system and railway were constructed. The management board of the spa was also established. Mansions and hotels appeared around the spa facilities, numbering 120. In1921 12,000 patients visited Kudowa. After 1945 the significance of Kudowa as a holiday and health resort with its mineral water springs started to increase. In 1963 the spa was classified as an international spa. The town has mostly old buildings. They are either monumental hotels in gardens or modest, simple buildings in continuous, almost rural arrangements. Newer holiday houses are situated at main arteries and do not disrupt the 19th century character of the town centre. The spa facilities are scattered around the whole town and their concentration can be found in the Spa Park at the foot of the Parkowa Mountain. This is where one can see the historical building of the “Zameczek” sanatorium, with its interesting architecture and broken roofline, characteristic of the old Lower Silesian style. Opposite, there is the Pump Room building, whose architecture resembles that of “Zameczek”. It is the prettiest and the biggest pump room in Lower Silesia. It offers waters from three springs. Its indoor – a semi-circle rotunda with large arched windows – is decorated with works of the Hungarian painter Arpag v. Nolnar, which depict the development of the spa. Next to the pump room there is a concert hall and a strolling area. The part of the Park adjacent to the pump room is embellished with several-hundred-year-old ornamental trees: black spruces and a Monterey pine. The park on the other side of the promenade resembles an ornamental garden. At the end of the strolling area there is a bower, hiding the former small pump room. The main alley leads to the “wild” part of the park, where it is planted with two rows of pyramidal oaks. It ends at the shore of a picturesque pond. Over 300 specimens of trees and bushes can be admired in the park.
