The Medieval Town - The Museum - The Hot Springs - The Castle - The Forts - Santa Maria Maior Church - Misericordia and Madalena - Azinheira Church - Rural Chapels - Vidago - Monforte Castle and Bolideira Rock

View of the Caldas park (photo by J.B. Cesar)

The hot springs, or Caldas, of Chaves, known all over Portugal, were formerly only a group of hot water springs. Today, after recent renovations, it is a modern thermal complex, receiving thousands of visitors every year, especially in the summer. The official name is now the Spa do Imperador Many of the small pensiones in the old part of the town are dependent on the influx of termalistas, usually retired people, who come annually to take the waters. The termas are located between the castle and the river, in front of a large area of grass-covered park with playgrounds and tennis courts.

The Chaves termas belong to a vast area of springs that stretches from Verín in Galicia as far south as Pedras Salgadas, 30 kilometers from Chaves, on the road to Vila Real. Despite its vastness and abundance of water, this thermal system is little utilized. Of the nine groups of thermal springs there are only adequate installations in four of them, Chaves, Carvalhelhos, Vidago, Pedras Salgadas, and Verín.

The waters of Chaves spring forth from three springs and a temperature of 73ºC. Of all the bicarbonate of soda waters of Europe, these are the hottest. This thermal presence is a rare geological phenomenon because in this area there is no evidence of volcanic activity. They are indicated for numerous treatments, including stomach, liver, intestinal, and kidney ailments. For internal medicine the main technique of application is drinking the water.

During the Roman period the distances on the highways were indicated with reference to Aquas, which demonstrates their importance in the region. Aquas or Aqua Flaviae was a Roman settlement built on the present-day site of Chaves. The Waters of Flavius, emperor in whose reign the hot water was supposedly first utilized, were used in a bathing pool, which has long since disappeared. Curiously, these hot springs that were so important for the Romans and then fell into disuse with the decadence of the town, were only exploited scientifically after 1945. Despite modernization they have yet to attract large numbers of users. It was only in the last year that they even opened in the winter. They still await a change in mentality of those in charge to make the waters a real magnet for tourism, especially young tourists who still associate termas with tuberculosis and rheumatism. Little has been done to advertise the hot springs as a spa for relaxation and recreation. There is still an air of the hospital to it all. In fact to use the spa you must have an appointment with the doctor there who specializes in “Hydrology.” Many of the emigrants who return from abroad in the summer ask why the hot water could not be used in swimming pools with slides for families, or even honeymooners. Unfortunately, as long as the waters are associated with disease and old age there is not much hope of their becoming a major tourist attraction.

One of the most beautiful parks in Chaves is located near the Termas, and is called Park of the Termas or Caldas. It is the meeting place for young people who patronize the many cafés and bars there. In the summer it is hard to find a table here.

Another spa belonging to the concelho of Chaves is that of Vidago

The Medieval Town - The Museum - The Hot Springs - The Castle - The Forts - Santa Maria Maior Church - Misericordia and Madalena - Azinheira Church - Rural Chapels - Vidago - Monforte Castle and Bolideira Rock