Varaždinske Toplice with its surroundings enables permanent economical, sports, cultural and social development of the first-class projects. 

In the north-western part of the Republic of Croatia and on the north-eastern brim of Hrvatsko zagorje the town of Varaždinske Toplice is situated, under the southern slopes of Toplička gora, which mildly declines into the fertile Toplička valley, where the river Bednja flows, and the southern part of the valley connects with the hill of Kalnik.

Thanks to extraordinary geographical position and climate, as well as the use of thermal springs and the existing curative muds, this area provided for excellent living conditions during its millenium-long history, which makes Varaždinske Toplice one of the oldest settlements and health resorts in the Republic of Croatia.

Excavation site

This area was populated by the Illyric tribes of Iassa in the second and third century BC, as well as in the Roman times from the first to fourth century under the name of Aquae Iasae, which proves the existence of the thermal springs and the spa at those times.

Aquae Iasae experienced their blooming period in the second century under the emperor Marcus Aurelius, which can be corroborated by many findings from the Roman times on the sites that are still being excavated.

In the Middle Ages Varaždinske Toplice is again mentioned in the 12th century as Toplisse, property owned by the Zagreb Kaptol.
The fortress was built – citadel, handicrafts were developing, trade, bathing facilities, as well as sacral objects and schools.

In 1920 a modern hotel was built and the spa centre,and between two world wars Toplice became famous for health tourism, entertainment, cultural and social life and very well-known throughout Europe.
After World War II the existing buildings were renewed and the new ones built, including the Minerva hotel, and these facilities became the Hospital for rheumatic diseases and rehabilition.