The medicinal waters of Termas do Cró, located 15km north of Sabugal in Central Portugal, in all likelihood have been used for their therapeutic properties in Roman times, but, although some ceramics and coins have been found in the vicinity, there is no concrete evidence of it.
The oldest reference dates from as recent as 1726 when Francisco da Fonseca Henrique, king João V´s doctor, wrote about the healing effects of the water and the need for proper facilities to be built in order to make full use of it. Despite what would have been a recommendation carrying a fair amount of weight, nothing that can be traced came of it.
The next time a project was proposed was in 1909 by Guilherme Ivens Ferrás, but once again, no development took place.
It was only in 1935 that the area was developed, and apart from the thermal complex, included the church of Senhora dos Milagres, the Pensão dos Milagres where visitors stayed and ate during the bathing season, private houses, storage wells for the thermal water, and a telephone and post office. The complex was sold during its heyday in 1955, but fell into disuse in 1974 when financial losses became too big to absorb and continue. The abandoned buildings were looted, until only a vague memory of what once was, remains today.
In 1980 the site was purchased by the Sabugal city council, which, in 2000, looked into the viability of rebuilding facilities onsite to, once more, make use of the curing effects of the water. In 2001 a temporary spa was built, while the final construction was built at a cost of around 5 million euros. Inaugurated in 2013, the modern facilities still utilize the benefits of the mineral water, and serve both tourists and locals.
Notes:
# A visit to the ruins can be part of a loop to explore various sites in the area, can be combined with some spa treatments, a stay at the hotel, or as part of doing a hike.
# Hike the PR8 Termas do Cró: it is a 14.6km loop (find details on the AllTrails App)
# Stay a night or two at the hotel: Cró Hotel Rural
# Enjoy the healing waters at the spa.
# Explore the immediate area, including Sabugal, Castelo de Vila do Touro, or have a swim in summer at the river beach Rapoula do Côa.
# Drive the “Rota dos 5 Castelos ” to visit the castles of Vila do Touro, Alfaiates, Sabugal, Sortelha and Vilar Maior.
# Pack a picnic basket to make the most of the incredible natural beauty of the area.
Written by: Jolandi
Beautiful pictures to complement the interesting history. My favorites are the water reflections!
Thank you, Sarah. 💜
There such an eerie romance to abandoned sites and you captured this so well.
Thank you, Atreyee. Abandoned sites fascinates me. – Jolandi
I enjoyed the exploration of the abandoned part so thoroughly that I felt a hint of disappointment that the springs are actually in use now. Maybe it was because of the totally uninspiring building I see. The area is beautiful and the water lovely beside all the green. The idea of taking a picnic and taking the whole day to wander around and discover sounds like a perfect day to me, maybe with a visit to the spa at the end, but maybe not. 🙂 The spider graffiti caught my eye, and the blue tile, but most of all I appreciate your artistic eye in the photos you have shared. I like the light in the hallway and the geometric perspectives, and I especially like that stone bridge.
I have to agree with you on the new buildings, Crystal. This is exactly one of those places you would appreciate, and although I haven´t hiked in the area, I think it will be very pretty, and as I know you love that too, I promise to think of you when I do manage to do that hike. – Jolandi
Oh yes, DO think of me when you are on a trail. What a thoughtful gift. <3
Amazing how old abandoned sites can generate so much interest. Thanks for the photos and history.
I love abandoned sites, but thank goodness no Instagrammers have discovered it, so it is only the locals who really know of its existence. – Jolandi
Although I’m not particularly a fan of thermal baths (sometimes I get nauseated after a while), I would definitely check out this place if I happen to be in the area. The vestiges of what it once was are enough reason for me to make a detour here.
I’m not a huge fan either, Bama, and swimming in general isn’t what brings me joy in life, but in the right setting or circumstances I find pleasure in it. The location is in a part of Portugal that is not at all touristy, and to me, far prettier and enjoyable because of that. – Jolandi
Beautiful, interesting, and unique pictures. What a fascinating history and experience. Thank you so much for sharing.
Terri