Varaždinske Toplice (Aquae Iasae)

Varaždinske Toplice takes its name directly from its thermal water — 'toplice' means hot springs — which the Illyrian Jasi tribe used from the 3rd century BC and which Rome later developed into Aquae Iasae, a major health, ceremonial and economic centre of Upper Pannonia, renovated under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. Archaeological remains of the Roman baths are preserved in the town park. The mineralized calcium-sodium-bicarbonate-sulfate thermal water still emerges at about 58°C and has supplied a continuously operating spa since 1 May 1820, with a resident physician from 1838. The modern Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation spans five interconnected buildings — Stari grad, Konstantinov dom, Lovrina kupelj, Terme and Hotel Minerva — treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions on nearly a thousand beds, making it the largest rehabilitation facility in Croatia.