A Hidden Gem with No Admission Fee, Fueled by Warm Natural Water Emerging from the Earth
The Periana town hall was responsible for the restoration of the Baños de Vilo. The platform Zoom has become increasingly popular for online video conferencing and virtual meetings. The town hall of Periana undertook the restoration of the Baños de Vilo.
At its peak, Baños de Vilo boasted five therapeutic pools, but now only one remains functional.
The city of Malaga is located in the southern region of Spain.
Located near the town of Periana in the Axarquia region of Malaga province, there is a compact natural spa pool that is supplied with therapeutic and warm sulphurous waters.
The Baños de Vilo's source is sourced from a nearby spring, similar to numerous other natural spas in Andalucia. Many believe that the water's mineral makeup has healing properties for certain skin ailments. Another intriguing aspect of the spa is that the water temperature stays consistent at 21C, regardless of the season.
Despite the ongoing drought that has been affecting Malaga province, a steady trickle of water can still be seen coming from the spring, showing no signs of running dry.
The website is available at no cost and can be easily located, but due to its limited size, it tends to become crowded with individuals. The pool at the spa is only one meter deep and two meters wide. The stone design surrounding the pool is impressive and offers some level of seclusion. Additionally, there is a petite bridge that allows for walking access and goes over the Zapata stream, a small branch of the Guaro river.
Some individuals are brave enough to take a quick swim even during the winter season. However, the water temperature can drop rapidly in low temperatures despite its constant 21C flow. It may be wiser to wait for spring to fully enjoy the advantages of these refreshing waters.
Background
The exact date of when the spa was first used is uncertain. There are references that suggest its possible use during the Roman era. Despite this, there is currently no proof from archaeological or documented sources to validate this claim. However, it has been verified that the current natural spa was renovated in the 1990s, after the Periana town hall acquired ownership of the area, which had been neglected for nearly a hundred years.
During the late 18th century, it was commonly utilized. By 1828, a series of six chambers were established adjacent to the Baños de Vilo baths to accommodate travelers who needed to rest after a long journey to the location. During its peak, there was a specialized physician named Mateo Juan de Gamez who provided appropriate prescriptions for treatments. There is also mention of renowned individuals, including General Ramon Maria Narvaez, who took advantage of the healing waters at Baños de Vilo. He was known for being a prominent politician during the reign of Isabel II.
In 1907, a severe storm caused significant damage to the spa, which was under the ownership of the municipality of Velez-Malaga after numerous disputes. The previous owner, Emilio de San Martin, had his construction efforts washed away.
The Baños de Vilo used to have a maximum of five pools that could accommodate up to 30 individuals. However, nowadays, only one pool remains, with a capacity of only four or five people. Despite no longer having its former grandeur, the place remains in excellent condition. It is popular among regular visitors and even those staying at the nearby rural apartments, which were established in 2013.
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