The Ottoman Empire built Turkish baths in 800 AD and
knights from Britain experienced them during crusades
in 1200 AD.
• Saunas began appearing along the Baltic in Finland as
early as 100 AD.
• The Renaissance in Europe (16th century) witnessed a
boost to balneo-therapy (water therapy treatments) as a
medical practice, especially in Italy where there were
famous sulphurous springs in Abano, mud baths in
Padua, Lucca, and Caldiero.
• In 1553, the 1st European Spa Directory was printed
in Venice listing more than 200 spas.