By Dee McMath

Carratraca is a village in the Guadalhorce Valley of Malaga, between Ardales and Alora.

The Balneario - although one of the most captivating of the traditional spas in Andalucia, was closed a few years ago for serious refurbishment. The redeeming feature is the magnificent, 19th century building inaugurated by Fernando VII in 1855 in a neoclassical style with high ceilings and black and white floor tiles. The 'royal' baths in the Roman style are situated in an outside patio. Cosmetic products are made using water from the spa.

Eugenia de Montijo handed over the land for the construction of the Spa on the condition that she and her family could have one of the baths for their exclusive use. The Spa became the property of de D. Augusto Casanova. And later Sres José Fuentes y Vida and the brothers Menjulet. Today the Spa is the property of a company called BALNEARIO ROMANO DE CARRATRACA, S.A.

The special properties of the waters and the service in the Spa has lead to various prises in Málaga, Madrid, Barcelona, and capped by the 'Gold Medal' in Paris in 878.

Famous visitors who have tried the waters are Cánovas del Castillo, Estévanez Calderón, Rilke, Lord Byron, Romero de Torres, Muñoz Degrain, Alejandro Dumas, Campoamor, Vicente Aleixandre, Eugene Giraud, Fernando VII, Eugenia de Montijo, Trinidad Grund, Antonio Banderas, Antonio Gala.

The Spa was closed for a few years at the beginning of the millennium for complete renovation along with the adjoining four star hotel. Both buildings are beautiful and have an underground passage connecting the two as they are in different streets.

The "TERMA ROMANA DE CARRATRACA" has been reborn with greater force in a refurbished building adapted to new technology and the modern needs of health tourism.

Carratraca is 53 kilometers from Malaga is situated 541 meters above sea level. The Spa does not have accommodation for overnight stays, although there are many small hotels and hostels within easy reach.

Therapeutic Properties of the water: Sulphates, arsenical, and curative radioactivity.

Treatments offered for: Rheumatic disorders, skin problems, circulation, nervous system and gynecological conditions.

Open - 15th June to 15th October
Tel: + (34) 952 458 071

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