CALDES DE MALAVELLA (Aquae Calidae)		Quality of Remains
		Ease of Access
		Atmosphere & Setting

History & Occupation:

The town of Aquae Calidae was founded in the late 1st century BC. The area was rich in hot springs and healing waters and the Romans founded two different bathing establishments here. The one that can be seen these days was founded in around 40-50 AD. Caldes must have been a town of some importance and influence given the fact that two separate establishments were created here and the size of a palaeochristian necropolis that has been found here. It is worth noting also that Caldes was close to the Via Augusta and therefore on a major route. As with almost all Spanish towns, the deline came with the barbarian incursion, though the town continues to this day to be inhabited and famed for its springs. In the medieval era the baths were fortified and reused, becoming Caldes castle. Later again, once the castle was ruined and forgotten, the baths were used as part of a hospital.

Remains and Visit:

The baths that remain are surprisingly well-kept considering their reuse as castle and hospital.

Images:

The baths