Sights of Caldes de Malavella

The healing properties of the water from the hill of Puig de les Ànimes in Caldes de Malavella have been known since ancient Roman times, evidenced by one of the main landmarks of the city, the Roman Baths. In the 1870s, Dr. Modest Furest i Roca, an adherent of hydrotherapy, analyzed the chemical components of the water and discovered that it was rich in salts and minerals. In 1881, inspired by his findings, the good doctor bought the land that contained the water source and, having received all the necessary licenses, began making money off the water within two years.

The mineral water that was soon to be known as Vichy Catalán received awards at the International Expositions of 1888 and 1889, in Barcelona and Paris. The trademark was registered in 1890, borrowing its name from a well-known French company, provoking a long litigation process with the same. On June 12, 1898, a balneological health resort opened right next to the water bottling factory, drawing the healing waters from the same mineral source.

The hotel building and the park surrounding it were completed by architect Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà, also known for his work on the monument to Columbus in Barcelona. The architect’s son Carles followed in his father’s footsteps and designed Fonta Màgica de Montjuïc, the famous “singing” fountain of Montjuïc.