History of the Hotel

Druskininkai is the oldest and largest year-round balneological, mud, and climatic resort in Lithuania. Richly endowed by nature, the city is valued not only for its healing natural properties but also for its stunning landscape.

According to some sources, on June 20, 1794, by order of the King of Poland Stanisław August Poniatowski, Druskininkai was declared a therapeutic locality. This date is often considered the founding day of Druskininkai. Other sources claim the founding day was January 4, 1838, when Russian Emperor Nicholas I, based on research by Professor Ignacy Fonberg of Vilnius University, approved the project to establish the Druskininkai spa.

The first spa facility was a wooden mineral water bathhouse built in 1838, which was soon expanded to 50 baths. Wooden buildings of the time often burned down or were damaged by floods, and the wooden Druskininkai spa was no exception—it burned down in 1894.

In 1896, a brick spa was built on the site of the destroyed bathhouse: the current EUROPA Royale Druskininkai building is the oldest brick architectural heritage object in Druskininkai.

The spa palace, reflecting the architectural trends of the time, was designed by the chief architect of Vilnius, Vaclovas Michnevičius, who also built notable structures such as Vilnius Hales Market, the Russian Drama Theater, churches in Žvėrynas, Birštonas, Kernavė, and others across Lithuania.

The new spa building—a single-story yellow brick structure—exemplified the architectural style of St. Petersburg and was known as Nicholas I’s or simply the Tsar’s Spa. It became the heart of the expanding resort, housing 150 baths, including brine, mud, carbonic acid, electricity, sun, and air baths, as well as massage and therapeutic orthopedic gymnastics. Druskininkai could proudly claim one of the first and largest buildings of this type in Europe.

Between the wars, the resort was popularized by Polish Marshal Józef Piłsudski, who often spent summers here. He was especially fond of the spa park, famous at the time as the “Thousand Roses Park.” In the open gallery (colonnade), orchestras from Grodno and Białystok played throughout the summer season, and poetry readings, book events, cultural evenings, and dance parties were held.

After World War II, from the 1950s, Druskininkai developed rapidly, with new sanatoriums and spas being built. The former new Tsar-era brick spas of the 19th century became known as the “old spas.” Between 1954–1960, a new mud spa building was constructed next to the old spas, now the current Druskininkai Medical Centre. The old brick spa building remained in use until the 1970s, later became neglected and abandoned, and was unused for 35 years.

In 2006, the historic spa building underwent careful reconstruction and adaptation for hotel use: the architectural integrity of the old spa was restored, blocking Soviet-era additions that obstructed the Nemunas River view. The historic spa was renovated in compliance with strict architectural requirements, recreating its original style and luxury. The central part of the building was left unplastered, as it was historically; it is visible from the main hotel entrance by the musical fountain. The internal structure, including walls, corridors, and volumes, was preserved, making each historic hotel room unique and different.

Restored decorative details, especially visible in the lobby, include arches, Roman pilasters, floral motifs, and exposed authentic floor tiles near the restaurant entrance. The building was protected from further decay and loss of cultural heritage. Maintaining the spirit of the late 19th century, the building was adapted for hotel use, housing a restaurant and bar with outdoor terraces. The building is listed in Lithuania’s architectural heritage register.

On the former boiler room site, a modern glass hotel wing was constructed, featuring guest rooms, a SPA Boutique, salt room, pool and sauna area, conference and bowling facilities, a fitness room, and a children’s area.

Both the historic and glass hotel buildings are connected via corridor to the Druskininkai Medical Centre and Water Park. This connection mirrors the integrity of the old spa complex while providing ultimate comfort for hotel guests—all amenities and treatments are accessible in slippers and robes.