Spa, Thermal town in Walloon Region, Belgium
Spa is a town in the Walloon Region of Belgium known for its natural mineral springs. The springs emerge at several points across the town, including the central Pouhon Pierre le Grand and various public fountains.
Tsar Peter the Great visited in 1717 and inspired the development of thermal baths in Russia, leading to the main fountain being named after him. The springs had already attracted European visitors since the 16th century who sought their healing properties.
The town gave its name to the general term for therapeutic bathing places in many languages, showing how its waters shaped modern wellness culture. Locals and visitors still use the fountains scattered through the streets, where mineral water flows freely for anyone to taste or fill a bottle.
A walk through the streets leads to several fountains where mineral water can be tasted directly. The journey by train from Liège takes less than an hour through the wooded Ardennes landscape.
The casino here is considered the oldest operating gaming house in the world and has welcomed guests for centuries. Beyond gambling, the building now hosts events and remains a social gathering point in the town center.
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