The development of the Dobrna thermal spa, which is considered the oldest operating thermal health resort in Slovenia, was largely a result of favourable natural conditions: the climate and thermal springs. The deliberate exploitation of thermal waters began in the early 17th century, with the construction of the first building, which would later become the Health Centre. Important steps in the development of the thermal spa were made by its owners – the families Gačnik/Schlangenburg, Dienersperg and Hoyos. The thermal spa was bought by the Styrian provincial government in the mid-19th century and passed into state ownership in 1908. During the first Yugoslavia, the health resort initially fell under the Maribor’s city administration and was later placed under the Drava Banovina. After World War II, the phenomenon of mass tourism was also manifested in the Dobrna health resort, which became accessible to broader strata of society.