Vallfogona Spa (Vallfogona de Riucorb)

The Vallfogona Spa is situated in a privileged natural setting along the Corb River and is one of the most emblematic sites in Vallfogona de Riucorb. It was founded by Father Miquel Piera i Martó after a visit to the area to take advantage of the properties of the waters, which had been known since the mid-19th century, specifically since 1850.

The spa was designed and built in 1901, and it soon began attracting numerous visitors drawn by its facilities and thermal water treatments. Among the services offered were showers, sprays, steam baths, and other hydrotherapy treatments. At the same time, a large landscaped park was created, which would become one of the main attractions of the complex and facilitate the construction of new buildings and services.

Between 1913 and 1916, several important improvements were made, including the construction of a new access road and the current bridge. New villas were also built in the development, most notably the Virgen de Montserrat villa and the Jardín villa.

During a second phase, between 1921 and 1936, the spa continued to grow with the expansion of the main building and the modernization of the hydrotherapy rooms. These improvements spurred the construction of new villas and hotels to accommodate visitors. The Noucentista-style villa Sant Jordi, designed by architects Lluís Domènech i Montaner and his son Pere Domènech i Roura, stands out from this period.

Following the halt caused by the Civil War, construction activity resumed in 1944 with the building of new villas, such as those in San Miguel, La Salud, El Carmen, and Santa Teresa. The water collection and distribution systems were also improved. During the 1960s, the spa experienced a decline in visitors and use of its facilities, although it subsequently recovered.

In terms of architecture, the main building, known as the Spa Hotel or Gran Hotel, features a historicist and eclectic style, with elements reminiscent of medieval buildings. Highlights include the gallery with semicircular arches, windows with Gothic-inspired details, and openings that mimic old arrow slits. The building, which has an H-shaped floor plan resulting from several expansions, houses spaces such as the restaurant, kitchens, and facilities dedicated to hydrotherapy treatments.

One of the great attractions of the Vallfogona Spa Resort is the architectural and landscape ensemble formed by its chalets, the Hotel Regina, and the spa park. The gardens, green spaces, and a small dam on the Corb River create a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for strolling and enjoying nature.

The Vallfogona Spa is, therefore, a place that combines history, architecture, nature and thermal tradition, and is part of the most characteristic heritage of Vallfogona de Riucorb.