La Puda de Montserrat, Historic thermal spa near Montserrat Mountain, Spain
La Puda de Montserrat is a thermal spa building in Esparreguera, beside the Llobregat River and close to the Montserrat massif, in Catalonia, Spain. It is built mainly in brick and features classical details such as Ionic pilasters, along with long, high-ceilinged galleries lined with arched openings.
The sulfurous springs near the Llobregat were first recorded in 1718, when a doctor carried out a scientific analysis of their waters. The site grew into a popular spa during the 19th century, drawing visitors from Barcelona, before activity declined in the 20th century.
The name "La Puda" comes from the Catalan word for the strong smell of sulfur that rises from the springs, and visitors can still notice this scent near the water sources today. The building itself, with its long open galleries facing the river, was designed so that guests could stroll and socialize while taking the air, a habit that shaped how people used the space.
The building sits in hilly terrain along the Llobregat, so sturdy footwear is a good idea for walking around the grounds. A visit here pairs naturally with a trip to the wider Montserrat area, as both are in the same region and easy to combine in a day.
During the Spanish Civil War, the building was turned into a hospital and took in hundreds of wounded, even though it had been built purely for rest and recovery of a very different kind. The wide galleries that once served leisurely strolls worked just as well as wards.
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