History of the 'Termas e SPA'

With historical references dating back to Roman times, as shown by coins found in excavations near the mineral water springs, it was in the reign of D. João V that the first buildings for baths were built (granite tanks sheltered in stone). In 1888 Gerês was visited by his majesties D. Luiz I and D. Maria Pia, D. Carlos I, the Royal Prince and his wife D. Maria Amelia. The first Medical spa building was built only late 1897.

A well known Portuguese doctor, Dr. Ricardo Jorge, published several books describing and proving the efficacy of Gerês Mineral Water treating Liver and Galdbladder diseases, digestive tract problems, as well as methabolic problems, widely spreading the special characteristics of Gerês Mineral Water.

Today, the newly rebuilt and refurbished Medical Spa and the brand new Spa, are equipped with the most modern Medical spa equipements and Wellness techniques, to reach the expectations of those who visit us for healh reasons and also to adapt to the growing demand on Beauty and Wellness Tourism. In Gerês Medical spa you can choose from a set of equipements such as the Dynamic Pool, the Cuba, Blue and Bithermic 3 scents Showers, a large area of ​​Massage and beauty care treatments, as well as a modern Cardio-Fitness Gym located right in the center of the Gerês Village.

SANTA EUPHÊMEA LEGEND

Patron of the Gerês Medical Spa

The courageous Virgin from Braga retired to Gerês highest mountains, alone, refugee of the world and focus on praying, spent the rest of her youth praying. Right there, at the top of the mountain, the religious hate for the holy virgin, who refused to denied her religion to false gods was strpongly tortured by Pagans, desperate and burning in fury and fanaticism, threw the virgin from the mountain hights to the ground, just a few feet away from the river, in a granite mass. The body of the holy virgin was going to be smashed against the rocks, when the rocks opened and in the spot where the virgin was going to fall it appeared a special and warm water spring. Since then the warm water never stop to sprout. The holy virgin Euphemea saved herself and the water never stoped to cure many sick people.

The martyr was saved and after many years she wanted to died leaning against the rocks. Many years latter, travelers found her mummified body.

Ever since, Gerês Mineral Water never cease to operate cures that reach miracles. Many distinguished doctors and chemists studied to discover the powerful healing agent contained in the mineral water. The Fluoryde? The Silicon? The secret amounts of anions and cations sprout throughtout the soil depth? - Mystery ...  certain is only the cure of liver diseases, and overweight problems ... true miracles.

Operated by mineral water chemical characteristics, or through the intercession of the Holy Martyr?
That's the origin of the inscription that currently exists in "Buvette", printed in granite rocks: