Galicia is the main thermal destination in Spain. It has numerous spas and outdoor thermal baths with different therapeutic indications.
As the name of the municipality itself indicates, Mondariz-Balneario is a thermal town that has mineral-medicinal water sources from the Fuente del Trocoso and the Fuente de la Gándara, discovered in 1847 and 1871 respectively. They were declared of public utility in 1873. With the support of patron Enrique Peinador, a spa was created in the late 19th century that received visits from illustrious figures such as Castelao, Queen Isabel of Portugal, or Emilia Pardo Bazán. For many years, the municipality experienced a golden period of splendor; the Grand Hotel, designed by architect Jenaro de la Fuente, was built; the Peinador statue, created by Antonio Palacios, was erected; hundreds of jobs were created, and a local currency, the peinador, was coined. The Spanish Civil War halted all activity related to the spa. In 1994, the idea was revived, and modern facilities were built.
The waters of Mondariz-Balneario are carbonated, bicarbonate-calcic, and ferruginous. They emerge at a temperature of 18°C and are recommended for alleviating musculoskeletal disorders, digestive disorders, stress, obesity, and endocrine problems.
We were with our students at the spa facilities, and together we enjoyed the benefits of these waters during a course of pressure jets and massage pools. Before the bath, we visited the most emblematic buildings and the mentioned sources, where they could check the water temperature and its characteristic taste.
