Grössling Spa Reconstruction in Full Swing

The Grössling Spa is a national cultural monument and one of Bratislava’s important historic buildings. The complex, which covers an area of more than 9,000 m², was built in three main stages – in 1895, 1914 and 1929. For decades, it served as a place for hygiene, sport, relaxation and as a meeting place for the people of Bratislava. The spa was permanently closed in 1994 due to the building’s poor structural condition.

The comprehensive restoration of Grössling is a long-term process. The City of Bratislava, in tandem with the Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava, organised an international architectural competition, which was won by the Italian studio OPPS Architettura from Florence. Architects and designers from the company GFI subsequently joined the project for the later design stages.

Preliminary construction and restoration work took place on the site during the project’s preparation phase. The historic chimney and original steam boilers were restored, and demolition work was carried out on later structures dating from the 1970s. Additional necessary interventions were also performed to prepare the site for comprehensive renovation.

In May 2026, the construction site was handed over to the general contractor, and the renovation entered its main construction phase. The work is today in full swing and proceeding according to the current schedule. The contractor is the Metrostav Slovakia and Adifex consortium, which won the public tender for the work. TDI Kompleting is providing the main technical supervision for the construction.

An equally important condition for the project's implementation is the securing of funding. The Capital City is realising the project through the municipal company MKK Grössling s.r.o. and is sharing the cost of financing with several partners. Aside from the City of Bratislava, the National Development Fund II – managed by Slovak Investment Holding – is sharing in the financing, using European funds to support the creation of the library and public spaces. UniCredit Bank is also a key financial partner in the project.

Said Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo:

“Grössling is one of Bratislava’s most important landmarks and a place that has been closed to the public for over thirty years. Its renovation is an exceptionally complex project, and I’m pleased that work is moving forward and that we have succeeded in building a strong team and finding high-quality partners. For a project of this scale, the ability to collaborate and a shared responsibility for the result are fundamental prerequisites for success. Our aim is to return Grössling to the people of Bratislava as a vibrant, accessible place that will serve the city for decades to come."

Spas, a library and public space

After the reconstruction, Grössling will regain its original function as a spa house. The swimming pool as well as the historic soaking pools, saunas and areas for massages and spa treatments will be restored, and an outdoor swimming pool will be added. A branch of the Bratislava City Library will also be set up in the separate former administrative section of the complex, and the renovation will also include public spaces on Medená ulica and improvements to the roadways surrounding the building.

The project is thus not only restoring historic buildings; it is bringing a civic institution back to Bratislava’s city centre, one that will connect spa culture, relaxation, social interaction, books and public space, while also reviving a forgotten aspect of Bratislava’s identity.