Category: Archaeology > Thermal Baths
District: Viseu > São Pedro do Sul > São Pedro do Sul > Estância Termal
Located in the picturesque town of São Pedro do Sul, in the district of Viseu, the construction known as D. Afonso Henriques Pool is nestled within the renowned Thermal Spa Resort. This historic site is an integral part of the natural and scenic surroundings that characterize the region, known for its ancient waters. Its location invites a tranquil reflection on the past, being harmoniously integrated into its surrounding environment, far from urban hustle and bustle, yet within reach for those seeking the historical richness of Portuguese thermal heritage.
The "D. Afonso Henriques Pool" dates back to a period of great significance for Portuguese history, associated with the first King of Portugal. Although the name suggests a direct connection to the monarch, the site is an archaeological testimony to the presence and use of thermal waters in remote eras, possibly since Roman times and continuing into the Middle Ages. Popular tradition and legend bestow a particular charm upon this site, evoking a possible use or passage of D. Afonso Henriques through these healing waters. It thus represents a link between the legendary past and the proven history of thermalism in the region.
This construction is a remnant of ancient thermal baths, serving as an example of the type of pools used for therapeutic or relaxation baths. It is characterized by its functional and robust architecture, designed to contain the renowned thermal waters of São Pedro do Sul. The structure, once a space for immersion and well-being, allows visitors to glimpse how the hot waters were channeled and used in the past. It is a place that harks back to ancestral wisdom in the exploitation of natural resources and to the importance that thermal baths held in the daily lives and health of populations.
Visiting the construction known as D. Afonso Henriques Pool is to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of serenity and historical discovery. Although it may appear as a set of ruins or a partially preserved structure, its value lies in its ability to transport visitors to an era when thermal waters were a precious commodity and natural medicine prevailed. It is a place that allows for a deeper understanding of São Pedro do Sul's thermal tradition and the cultural legacy associated with the exploitation of these waters which, since time immemorial, attract those seeking their properties.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termas_de_S%C3%A3o_Pedro_do_Sul
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.75974907,-8.08338657
Coordinates DMS: 40°45'35.1"N 08°05'0.2"W
Weather São Pedro do Sul
On-duty Pharmacy São Pedro do Sul
