Hotel Balneario de Lugo
About Hotel Balneario de Lugo
This unique spa hotel is built around the ancient Roman Baths, offering a direct connection to Lugo's thermal heritage. Located near the Roman Bridge on the banks of the River Miño, it provides therapeutic thermal waters and comfortable accommodations in a historic setting.
Unique Features
Integration with original Roman Baths, therapeutic mineral waters, riverside location, continuous spa tradition since Roman times
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Lugo Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa María is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture dating back to 1129. It features the remarkable Chapel of Our Lady of the Large Eyes (Virxe dos Ollos Grandes) and enjoys the unique papal privilege of the Permanent Exposition of the Holy Sacrament. The cathedral museum showcases religious art and archaeological discoveries. The cathedral is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana)
The Roman Bridge, or Ponte Romana, spans the Miño River and dates back to the 1st century AD. It was an integral part of the Via XIX connecting Roman settlements. Despite numerous reconstructions over the centuries, the foundations remain original Roman work. Now pedestrianized, it serves as a crossing for pilgrims on the Camino Primitivo and offers scenic views of the river.
Provincial Museum of Lugo
Housed in the former Gothic Convento de San Francisco, the Provincial Museum is one of Galicia's premier cultural institutions. Its extensive collections include remarkable Roman mosaics (notably the unique Daedalus and Pasiphae piece), pre-Roman Celtic gold artifacts, early Christian elements, traditional Sargadelos ceramics, and 19th-20th century Galician art. The building itself preserves parts of the original 15th-century convent, adding to the historical experience.
Casa dos Mosaicos (Domus Oceani)
The Casa dos Mosaicos provides a fascinating window into the private world of an affluent Roman household in Lucus Augusti. Dating from the late 3rd or early 4th century AD, these remains of a Roman domus showcase remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors with intricate geometric patterns and figurative scenes, including one depicting the god Oceanus. Located near what would have been the ancient Roman forum, the site offers a glimpse into domestic life during the Roman era.
Domus do Mitreo
The Domus do Mitreo offers a rare insight into the religious practices of Roman Lugo. This archaeological site comprises the subterranean remains of a Roman house that incorporated a Mithraeum - a temple dedicated to the Persian deity Mithras - dating to the early 3rd century AD. The excavations revealed an extensive domus of approximately 600 square meters with various rooms including an oecus (great hall), cubiculum (bedroom), and the temple area. A granite votive altar dedicated to Mithras by a centurion of the Legio VII Gemina was found on site.
Roman Baths (Termas Romanas)
The Roman Baths, strategically located near the Roman Bridge on the banks of the River Miño, attest to the importance of public bathing in Lucus Augusti. Now integrated within the modern Hotel Balneario de Lugo, the most impressive surviving section is believed to be the apodyterium (changing room) with its distinctive opus signinum floor. Another room, likely a frigidarium (cold bath), was later converted into a Christian chapel. The continuity of a spa on this site creates a tangible link between ancient and contemporary wellness practices.
O Vello Cárcere (Old Prison Cultural Centre)
O Vello Cárcere, meaning "The Old Prison" in Galician, is a compelling example of architectural transformation. Originally Lugo's provincial prison designed in 1878 according to panopticon principles, it reopened in 2017 as a vibrant cultural center after extensive rehabilitation. Today, it hosts art exhibitions (often within the former cells), concerts, theatrical performances, conferences, and educational workshops. While serving as a contemporary cultural hub, it also respectfully acknowledges its poignant past as a place of confinement, including for political prisoners.
Parque Rosalía de Castro
Parque Rosalía de Castro is Lugo's principal urban park, inaugurated in 1925. Situated just outside the Roman walls and sloping gently towards the River Miño, this 23-acre green oasis offers panoramic views over the southern and western parts of the city and the picturesque Galician countryside. The park features a blend of formal and naturalistic landscaping with lush greenery, a duck pond, a traditional bandstand, and several fountains. Well-maintained paths make it popular for strolls, and its accessibility makes it suitable for visitors with mobility considerations.
Miño River Park (Parque do Miño)
The Miño River, Galicia's longest and most significant waterway, is an integral part of Lugo's identity and landscape. The Miño Park stretches along the left bank of the river, offering paths shaded by local tree species, benches, a children's play area, dedicated pedestrian walkways, and a bicycle track. Located within the UNESCO-designated Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve, this area highlights the ecological importance of the river. The riverside provides opportunities for extended walks and bike rides, with the popular trekking route "Paseo del Puente Viejo" (Old Bridge Walk) utilizing these paths.
