Dom Afonso Henriques' Pool

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Swimming Pool

District: Viseu > São Pedro do Sul > Termas

Location

The Pool of Dom Afonso Henriques is located in the heart of the spa resort of Termas de São Pedro do Sul, strategically positioned on the south bank of the Vouga River. It is integrated into what was once a large spa complex, in an surrounding urban area that retains the atmosphere of a spa town.

It is situated in a flat, wooded area, allowing for a peaceful visit and an inviting access. Its location allows visitors to perceive the historical importance and the continuous presence of the thermal springs in the local landscape.

A Millennial Legacy

This fascinating site is one of the oldest and best-preserved Roman thermal complexes in Portugal, with a history of use spanning almost two millennia. Initially built in the 1st century BC, during Roman rule, the pool we know today as Dom Afonso Henriques' Pool is just one element of a large-scale bathhouse that flourished in Lafões.

Its name evokes the figure of the first king of Portugal. It is recounted that, in 1169, D. Afonso Henriques sought relief for wounds suffered in the battle of Badajoz precisely in these healing waters, using this particular pool. This episode profoundly marked the site, forever linking it to the history of the nation's foundation. The pool is today a proud National Monument, a living testament to a rich and continuous past.

The Essence of Construction

The Pool of Dom Afonso Henriques, rectangular in shape, stands out for its robust granite construction and for being a remarkable example of Roman engineering. Its walls and bottom are lined with granite slabs, and access is via steps arranged on all four sides of the tank.

Inside the room that houses it, it is possible to observe singular architectural details. Two water conduits, one for cold water and one for hot water, are still visible, with the opening of one of them featuring an interesting sculpture in the shape of an animal's snout. The room, which was once vaulted and had apses, reveals Roman construction mastery, using techniques such as opus quadratum and brickwork, creating an environment that invites reflection on the civilizations that benefited from these waters here.

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