The Role of Salt Water and the Political-Economic Conditions on the Evolution of Sovata Resort (Romania)

Abstract

The history of salt exploitation has overlapped the history of human civilization since prehistoric times. Salt has had an important role over the time, both in trade and in maintaining good health. In the areas where it came into contact with natural water springs, therapy–based baths emerged and have treated ailments since early times. By adapting to the trend set in mid-19th century Europe, areas with balneary potential in Transylvania, including Sovata, started to be turned to good account and the foundation for balneary resorts, which later were to become quite famous, was laid. The true valorization of these spas was accomplished only at the turn of the 20th century, when the first modern treatment establishments and the accommodation buildings were constructed. This period is considered to be the golden age of Transylvania’s resorts. Sovata was first mentioned as a healing place in a 1597 letter, which contains an invitation for a sick man to regain health. In 1948 the spas, including Sovata Balneoclimaterica S.A., were nationalized, thus making them more accessible to the public. Nowadays, Sovata is a modern resort according to the European standards, bearing the same touristic and curative potential known for centuries. Nevertheless, the glamour and charm of the old times was wasted.

Keywords

• salt resources
• salt lakes
• salt springs
• spa
• Sovata