"Loutropolis: Healing Springs and Baths in Greece" Exhibition
Academy of Architecture
Date: 25 March 2025 / 17:00
Loutropolis: Healing Springs and Baths in Greece
Accademia di architettura USI
Palazzo Canavée, Foyer
Opening 25/03/2025 at 5pm
“Perhaps no country in the world possesses a greater abundance of mineral waters than Greece, nor is there any country in which they are less known” wrote Frederick Strong, the English consul to Bavaria and Hannover in Athens, in his 1842 book Greece as a Kingdom.
During this time, the scientific analysis of Greece’s mineral springs, rocks, and soil led to an understanding of the country’s landscape and resources: its airs, waters, and places. The terrain was documented as a chemical network with healing properties. Minerals became the impetus for a major construction endeavor. Greek Thermalism – a nationwide taking of the waters – peaked in the interwar and postwar eras. The state sought to take care of its citizens through medical treatments in nature, funding bathing towns at healing springs. Known as Loutropolis, they emerged across the country. This exhibition brings together historic and contemporary documents, photographs and artifacts of this movement.
Exhibition until 28 April 2025
Monday to Friday 9am-17pm
Free Entry
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Prof. Sascha Roesler