Balneari de Cardó, Historic thermal baths in Benifallet, Spain.
The Balneari de Cardó is a former thermal spa in the Cardó Massif near the Sallent ravine, with thirteen hermitages and conventual buildings scattered across the grounds. The complex features structures with eclectic and Noucentist design elements that sit within a mountainous landscape.
The site originated as a religious retreat in 1606 under Carmelite monk Fra Pau de Crist, then transformed into a thermal spa in 1866. This shift marked the change from spiritual use to commercial wellness, though the original structures remained on the grounds.
The spa represents how Catalan approaches to wellness evolved, with buildings that blend eclectic and Noucentist styles from the early 1900s. You can see how design choices reflected the values of that era, mixing practical comfort with artistic ambition.
The thermal facility has been closed since 1967, but the exterior structures and hiking trails in the surrounding area remain accessible to visitors. The location is remote, so arriving with a map or local guidance helps with exploring the site properly.
During the Spanish Civil War, the thermal complex served as a medical facility for the Republican Army during the Battle of the Ebro. Some buildings still bear marks from this wartime period, offering glimpses of how the site was repurposed in crisis.
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