10 public pools to dive into, from Milan to São Paulo

In the Vasari-Battisti district of Milan, next to the Franco Parenti Theater, you will find the Bagni Misteriosi (Mysterious Baths, ndr.), a blue oasis in the gray concrete of the city. The swimming pool, conceived in the 1930s as part of a multisport center, dropped into decay after the war, was finally declared unsuitable for bathing and closed in 2007. Thanks, however, to an extensive redevelopment project by the Pier Lombardo Foundation, the entire space of 15,000 square meters (which also includes the theater) is restored to its original state of "architectural, historical and social public heritage". Now, Bagni Misteriosi can take pride in 2 swimming pools with crystal clear water and of different depths and sizes, to satisfy both the more "active" swimmers and those who prefer to "soak".

Stadtbad Charlottenburg is the oldest indoor swimming pool in Berlin. Built in 1898 in Art Nouveau style, it consists of a steel and masonry structure and an imposing glass roof that spans the length of the pool. During World War II, bullets damaged the building, which was then expanded with a new, more modern, annex and the original pool was left in decay. The demolition of the original was considered, but it was finally decided to keep it: between 1974 and 1976 extensive renovations were carried out. Since 1982 the building is protected as a historical building.

Built in 1936 and now classified as a historical monument, this sports center in Bruay-la-Buissière is an ode to the Modern Streamline style. For pool users, entering its waters is like taking a dip in the past: amidst Art Deco mosaics and typically Modernist structures, the Roger Salengro pools enjoy a children's pool, two swimming pools, two solariums and two diving boards, and water heated to 29°C (31°C for the children's pool).

Considered by many to be the most beautiful spa in Budapest, the Gellért Baths are a perfect example of Art Nuveau. Built between 1912 and 1918 and then damaged by the bombings of the Second World War, in 2008 they were restored to their original splendor thanks to an extensive renovation. Of particular beauty is the atrium, with its stained glass dome. The complex includes thermal baths with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees, saunas, an indoor and an outdoor pool with artificial waves.

Amidst bright colors and mirrored ceilings, this spa on the outskirts of Frankfurt is a tribute to Post-Modernist architecture. Certainly not boring in its design, Kurbad Königstein also enjoys countless amenities for fun and personal care, including: dry saunas, steam saunas, tepidarium, plunge pools and solarium. All topped off with a grand panorama of the Taunus castle ruins. The bathing season is temporarily closed but seems to be getting closer to a reopening (anti-covid regulations permitting). 

Built in the 1930s as "Foro Mussolini", this swimming complex perfectly embodies the dictates of Italian Rationalism and is a clear example of the monumentalism typical of the Fascist era. The 50m indoor pool, with a platform for diving, is decorated with original mosaics along the walls and around the pool. The Forum is equipped with 4 other pools (for a total of 5 pools, 2 covered pools by 50 and 25 meters and 3 uncovered, one by 50, one by 33 and one for diving) plus 3 gyms. In 2009, the pools of the Foro Italico hosted the World Championships in Swimming, Water Polo, Synchronized Swimming and Diving. 

Sesc 24 de Maio is a project by Paulo Mendes da Rocha and studio MMBB for a cultural and recreational center in downtown São Paulo. A former shopping center abandoned since 1998, it was transformed into a Sesc (Social Service of Commerce, a private Brazilian institution that provides services of various kinds, including consultations and centers dedicated to culture, health and leisure), and completed in 2017. Sesc 24 de Maio now houses a library, studios and workplaces, an exhibition space, a dental clinic and a dance studio. Finally, at the top of the building is the swimming pool, with breathtaking views of the São Paulo skyline. In short, it has something for everyone. 

Overlooking the sea in Plymouth Harbor, the Tinside Lido is the archetype of the popular Art Deco style of the era. Built in 1935 and then closed again for renovations in 1992, it was finally reopened in 2005. It is now a Grade II listed building for preservation. Open only during the summer months, this saltwater pool is semi-circular in shape with a diameter of 55m and a fantastic sea view. 

Széchenyi Baths are thermal baths located in the Városliget Park in Budapest. Built in 1881 in typical Neo-Baroque style, they were expanded during the First World War and completed in 1913. The baths are still the largest thermal center in Europe. The complex now has 3 outdoor pools and 15 indoor pools, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 38 degrees, saunas and a gym.  

This indoor swimming pool on Finckensteinallee in the Lichterfelde district of Berlin, was completed in 1938 as a training facility for one of Hitler's SS regiments. At the time it was one of the largest and most modern pools in Europe. One of its best-known features was the skylight which spanned the entire ceiling above the pool and has stayed intact throughout the war and post-war, when the site was taken over by the American military. Unfortunately, in the 70s, the glass ceiling was replaced with an opaque acoustic layer. However, due to its historical and architectural significance as a National Socialist monument, the building received listed building protection in 2001. After being fully restored between 2008 and 2014 its doors were opened to the public again in 2014.