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Miskolctapolca has played an important role in the history of Miskolc since the 13th century. It is home to the burial site of the family that founded the city, as well as the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey, which can still be seen today at the entrance to the Cave Bath. The monks lived here from the second half of the 14th century until the beginning of the 16th century, when the abbey came under repeated attacks. As a result, they fled, the buildings were destroyed, and the area gradually became marshland.

In 1711, the Abbot of Tapolca drew the attention of local authorities to the deteriorated condition of the area and initiated the restoration of the bath. Physicians from Košice were invited to verify the beneficial effects of the thermal waters. The first known description of the wooden bathhouse dates from 1743, confirming that the bath was already in operation by that time.

By the second half of the 18th century, the building had once again fallen into disrepair, making another major renovation necessary in 1837.

The real development of Miskolctapolca began at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. During the 1920s and 1930s, it became a popular holiday destination, and in 1934 it was officially declared a health resort.

In 1938, the Lake Bath was built based on the designs of Bálint Szeghalmy. This distinctive circular building was constructed directly above the warm-water lake.

The area's development was driven by its healing thermal waters, making the construction of a modern spa of European standards essential. The new bath complex was built between 1939 and 1941. Even at that time, the importance of the unique cave system was recognized, as the cave with its nearly 30°C thermal water represented a natural treasure unmatched anywhere else in Europe.

During the demolition of the old bath building, significant archaeological discoveries were made. Even more remarkable was the discovery of a 31.5°C thermal spring with a water yield sufficient to supply the entire city of Miskolc at that time.

On 28 May 1941, the new bath building was officially inaugurated. It forms the foundation of the complex that visitors can still see today. Due to the marshy ground, 212 larch piles were driven into the soil to support the reinforced concrete foundation of the main building.

At the same time, the iconic glass dome above the Dome Hall was completed. Its original mechanism is still operational today, allowing the roof to be opened and closed at the touch of a button.

The first section of the Cave Bath opened to visitors almost twenty years later, in 1959. Ten years later, in 1969, the Lake Bath was demolished and replaced by the famous Shell Pool, which has since become one of the Cave Bath's most recognizable symbols.

In the early 1980s, the exploration of additional cave passages began. These were transformed into bathing areas during the extensive redevelopment project carried out between 1998 and 2005.

At the turn of the millennium, the Cave Bath underwent the largest expansion in its history, a project that lasted nearly seven years.

During this redevelopment:

  • the entire bath complex was comprehensively renovated, including the Dome Hall and changing facilities;
  • the underground cave bathing areas were significantly expanded;
  • a sunbathing garden, children's pool, and a swimming pool next to the Shell Pool were created;
  • a replica of the historic Lake Bath was constructed;
  • the Therapy Centre and Sauna Park were completed;
  • a new bathing hall and connecting gallery linking the main building with the cave section were built;
  • these developments transformed the previously separate main building and cave section into one integrated spa complex. Before then, they had been connected only by a covered corridor.

Within the cave section, visitors can access the original interconnected cave pools directly from the main bathing hall. These pools feature massage jets and exciting whirlpool attractions, offering a unique bathing experience.

One of the most spectacular additions is the Star Hall, where a projected star map illuminates the domed ceiling, creating the magical sensation of bathing beneath a star-filled sky.

Also located in the new extension is the Roman Hall, named after its brick-lined walls inspired by the atmosphere of ancient Roman baths.

The third new area is the Bridge Hall, distinguished by a bridge spanning above the pool. Visitors can walk across it and enjoy a unique perspective of the Cave Bath's impressive interior.