Roman Baths

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > São Pedro do Sul > Termas

Location:

The Roman Baths are located in the town of Termas, in the municipality of São Pedro do Sul, on the left bank of the River Vouga. Their establishment benefited from the proximity to an important thermal spring, situated just a few meters from this natural source.

Origins and the Roman Legacy:

This remarkable thermal complex was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, although it is known that the site was already valued by earlier communities for its water resources. In its golden age, it was known as "balneum romano," a space dedicated to well-being and socialization.

Despite the passage of time and various transformations, much of the original structure of the Roman Baths remains visible. Visitors can still observe vestiges of an ancient pool, as well as sections of shafts and capitals of large columns, and even some tombstones with inscriptions that evoke the Roman presence. Since 1938, this heritage has been classified as a National Monument, a testament to its historical and architectural relevance.

A Chapter in Portugal's History:

In addition to its Roman heritage, the complex is also known as the Pool of D. Afonso Henriques. This name stems from a significant connection to the foundation of Portugal: history recounts that it was in this place that the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, sought and found healing for a leg fracture suffered after the Battle of Badajoz in 1169. This passage underscores the enduring importance of the thermal waters throughout the centuries.

Recreating the Ancient Thermal Environment:

A careful valorization and conservation project has allowed the site to maintain the essence of its primitive construction. The intervention focused on restoring the scale, luminosity, and, above all, the prominence of water, a central element in the Roman thermal experience.

Outside, it is possible to appreciate the cold water tank and the natatio, a pool that was lined with the Roman technique of opus signinum, reflecting the authenticity of the materials. The presence of water is brought back through a hydraulic circuit that runs through the building, inviting a visual and auditory reading of the space, and allowing a deeper understanding of the function and atmosphere that the baths provided in antiquity.

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