Hedionda Baths. Historic Roman baths near Casares which are free to visit and use.
Hedionda Baths
The Baños de la Hedionda near Casares are free to visit and use throughout the year, though numbers are restricted during the summer months. Legend has it that the baths were built on the orders of Julius Ceasar in the year 61BC. Roman troops who were stationed in the area often found themselves suffering with scabies. They would find relief by bathing in the sulphur waters at the baths. Very little remains of any Roman construction at the site. Inside the bathrooms there are still partially visible works from the 17th century to the end of the 20th century.
This spa is inside an enclosed square space which is 6 metres long with one sphere vault and two barrel vaults. Water which is rich in sulphur and iron travels through the whole area. Changed to the baths were made by the Arabs who broadened the walls and took the pipes to the surface. The baths are on the right side of the Albarrán Stream. The materials that were used during the building are whitewash, concrete, stones and double or triple solid brick rows.
Visiting The Baths
There is dedicated parking on the road leading to the baths. The final 500 metres of the journey must be completed on foot. Click here to see the location.
To avoid overcrowding the council has limited the number of visitors to 24 people at a time during the summer between 12pm and 7pm. From July 2nd to September 9th it is neccessary to reserve your bathing time. Here are the links to make your booking.
https://www.eventbrite.es/e/entradas-banos-hedionda-julio-156891706317
https://www.eventbrite.es/e/entradas-banos-hedionda-agosto-156924616753
https://www.eventbrite.es/e/entradas-banos-hedionda-septiembre-156926684939