Old Amieira Thermal Baths

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Soure > Samuel > Moinho de Almoxarife

Location

The Old Amieira Thermal Baths are located in the Moinho de Almoxarife area, in the locality of Samuel, belonging to the municipality of Soure. This site is situated at the base of the Verride mountain range, adjacent to the extensive low plain known as Campo do Carregal, which is traversed by the Pranto River, a tributary of the Mondego River. The surrounding landscape is characterized by limestone rock formations, from which emerge the springs that fed the thermal complex.

The Splendor of the Past

Inaugurated on May 9, 1886, the Amieira Thermal Baths were, in their time, a thermal center of remarkable importance in Portugal. Renowned for the modernity of their facilities and the superior quality of the services provided, they stood out in the national panorama. The prestige of the place was such that its waters and the complex itself were distinguished in various national and international exhibitions. Their relevance was such that they had their own railway stop, named "Banhos da Amieira" (Amieira Baths), on the Oeste line, which demonstrates the large influx of visitors who arrived at the site, exceeding, on average, a thousand people per year.

The Properties of the Water

The waters that spring from the Old Amieira Thermal Baths have a constant temperature of approximately 27º C. They were the first in Portugal to be classified as chlorinated, also possessing calcium bicarbonate characteristics. Historically, these waters were sought for their recognized therapeutic qualities, being considered beneficial for the treatment of problems such as rheumatism, skin conditions, and larynx infections. The water flow was extraordinarily abundant, which once allowed not only the supply of all thermal facilities but also its export. Even today, a spout of water continues to gush, being used by those who pass by.

A Legacy in Ruins

Currently, the complex of the Old Amieira Thermal Baths is in a state of ruin, bearing witness to the golden times gone by. Remains of the old bathhouses, the hotel, and the chapel still exist, structures that were classified as of Municipal Interest. Despite their condition, the natural surroundings remain one of the site's points of interest, with a stunning forest that lends a unique atmosphere. What remains of the Old Amieira Thermal Baths is an invitation to reflect on the history of thermalism in Portugal and on the evolution of this heritage over time.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt