Termas da Azenha
In a presentation of the Aquilégio Medicinal, written in 1726 by Dr. Fransisco Fonseca Henriques, the Thermal baths where already mentioned at this location.
In early days the baths where already known as Caldas da Nossa Senhora do Pranto. Bathing was done in wooden shacks. In those early days of bathing the spring water was already famous for its healing powers for rheumatism and skin diseases.
From the end of the 19th century onwards the water has been tested at regular intervals. Its temperature (30 degrees Celsius), components and minerals have been the same throughout all those years. The thermal baths, in the balneario (the bath house), are nowadays only partially used. During the first improvisation stage, years ago, we were very glad with the ever streaming mineral-water.
The mineral water still is popular with both locals and visitors. In the summer, Portuguese come daily to take a bath or to get water. The water cures of skin diseases and rheumatism.
The thirties and fifties of the previous century have been used to expand and modernise the complex. This source and complex has been active until 1991 when its former owner passed away. The years following, the complex was neglected and deteriorated rapidly by the influence of the weather and flora.
Despite its terrible state we decided to buy the place thanks to its fantastic location and exploitation perspectives.
In September 2000 we moved in. We have set up a company: Meio Gordo Actividades Turisticas Lda. which is registered in Portugal. This company is responsible for the development, exploitation and management of the complex.
Termas da Azenha also is a small farm. We have an olive orchard consisting of a hundred mature trees and an orange and mandarin orchard. All over our land you will find different species of fruit trees like apple, peach, fig, nesperas and diosperos. The last two are typical Portuguese species. We are working towards growing and only using biologically home-grown fruit and vegetables for our meals.
Forests on hills surround the valley. Donkey- carts, ox- wagons and flocks of sheep pass by the houses. Although this is becomes more rare every day. The view from the Termas is breathtaking: because of the favourable position it is possible to oversee a big part of the valley.
On the one hand, in the dept of the winter, the inundated land is like a mirror of the moon. On the other hand, in the summer you can see the fresh green colour of the rising rice or the warm colour of the mature ear of corn. Thermas da Azenha is situated in a beautiful walking area; try arrangement.
Ever since we came here, we have received guests. Visitors come here to go on holiday, to explore the surroundings, to relax, for instance on the beach, to visit the Roman excavations at Conimbriga, to go on an excursion to Fatima, Batalha or Coimbra, join diner (if desired) or to work together with the residents. Every thing in a relaxed and relaxing way.
In case you would like to know how to reach us fast, easily and with the most fun, please click on route.
We hope to welcome you in the near future. Until then please don't hesitate to send your reactions to:
Termas da Azenha (freguesia Vinha da Rainha)
3130 Soure
Portugal
fax & tel.: