To go where no man has gone before is not so much of a challenge. Far more difficult, is for a woman to go where no woman has gone before-but men go to regularly.
For the last 70 years, the famous 16th century Rudas Baths in Budapest have been an all-male domain. Women were simply not allowed to frolic in the saunas, pools, and steam rooms of this particular Turkish bath.
Budapest’s Turkish baths have a long and glorious history dating back to, yes you guessed it, the 16th and 17th century when the Turks ruled the city. The most historic baths reside in immaculate buildings awash in marble and tile. They have been the heart and soul of this city for many years and enjoyed by both sexes-except for the Rudas Baths.
But not any more. Enough was finally enough. Thanks to an internet campaign by the Hungarian equal rights website, www.tusarok.org, women have finally won the right to penetrate the all-male domain of Rudas. Not only do they share facilities for three days of the week, they actually have the entire baths to themselves for half-days on Tuesdays and Thursdays-no men allowed whatsoever!