Short History of Moravske Toplice
The tourist resort of Moravske Toplice is located in the far north-eastern part of Slovenia, at the junction between the plain (flatland) and the hilly landscape, close to the tripoint of Slovenia, Austria and Hungary, and in proximity to the Croatian border.
In addition to the invigorating thermal springs, the place offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor leisure and recreational activities to both hiking and cycling enthusiasts.
Thermal water was first discovered over five decades ago, when – instead of oil – hot springs began to gush from the local geothermal wells. A thorough chemical analysis of the water springing from the geothermal wells of Moravci, conducted by a specialised laboratory in Sweden on7 September 1962, confirmed its beneficial properties. Two decades later, the local spa tourism truly began to flourish. The gradual increase in accommodation capacities and a wide and varied array of gastronomic delights have facilitated a transformation of the village from a distinctly rural community to a premium tourist destination.
Almost three decades ago, the village of Moravci changed its name to Moravske Toplice.
Today, Moravske Toplice is the seat of the municipality by the same name (Municipality of Moravske Toplice), which was founded almost 20 years ago.
With 763 inhabitants, Moravske Toplice is the largest community in the municipality. A historically important part of Moravske Toplice, the area named Zgornji Moravci, is located approximately 3 km from the village centre.
During the Ottoman Conquests, Moravske Toplice was pillaged and partially burnt to the ground by the ravaging Turks (1587–1610). To avoid the invaders, the local people fled from the lower part of the village to the upper areas, establishing a number of hamlets which have, to this day, preserved their original names, i.e. Breg, Lešče, Brezje, Žgaline, Brzinšček, Gaj, Cuber, Rumičev breg, Sepov breg, Papičev breg, Vinska graba and many others.
