Hotel Palace, in Băile Govora, celebrates ten years since its reopening on May 1st.
The Băile Govora resort has well-documented beneficial effects on the respiratory and locomotor systems, an ideal place for a prophylactic stay for immunity. Currently, the Govora Balneary Park is the largest spa park in
In 1881, the Brătianu government started the construction of the resort from scratch, around the therapeutic springs discovered near the Prajila hamlet in Vâlcea. First, the hill with the springs was developed, then the treatment and bath pavilion was built, and then the Palace hotel, to accommodate the bath beneficiaries; the entire resort then grew all around it.
The Palace Hotel, now a historical monument, was built in 1911 by the French architect Ernest Doneaud, a blend of styles from Rococo, Baroque, Classic, and Renaissance to decorative elements of the Romanian folk style. The interior was decorated with linden wood furniture, crystal mirrors, and bronze chandeliers. The seven-level building was constructed on metal cylinders, similar to the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest.
It was the first hotel with its own treatment base in Romania, but also the first hotel in Romania equipped with service and passenger elevators, hot water, and radio sets, being sought after by the high society of Bucharest, as well as that of Paris. A similar hotel was built in the Gstaad resort in Switzerland.
In the Govora Balneary Park, there are therapeutic waters: highly concentrated iodized, brominated, and sulfurous salt waters, hypotonic, sulfurous, bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, and magnesium waters.
Ten years ago, approximately 4 million EUR and a rehabilitation project using European funds were needed for the renovation. The European funds were obtained through the Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013, but the current owners also contributed to the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical conditions are treated at Hotel Palace?
Hotel Palace and the Băile Govora resort specialize in treating respiratory and locomotor conditions using concentrated therapeutic waters.
Who designed the historic Hotel Palace building?
The hotel was designed in 1911 by French architect Ernest Doneaud, featuring a unique blend of Rococo, Baroque, and Romanian traditional styles.
How was the restoration of the hotel financed?
The €4 million renovation was funded via the Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013 and private contributions from the current owners.