Roman Caldaria of Bande

## Overview The Roman Caldaria of Bande is a historic hot spring site located near the Encoro das Conchas (Conchas Reservoir) in the Province of Ourense, Spain — a region long celebrated as one of the most thermally active areas on the Iberian Peninsula. Ourense province is sometimes called the "land of a thousand springs" due to its extraordinary concentration of natural thermal waters, and the Caldaria of Bande is one of its lesser-known but historically significant geothermal sites. The name "Caldaria" derives from the Latin word for "hot" or "heated," pointing directly to the site's Roman-era origins. During the Roman occupation of Galicia, thermal springs like this one were highly prized for bathing, healing, and social gathering. The Romans were known to build elaborate bathing infrastructure — *thermae* and *balnea* — around naturally heated water sources throughout their empire, and the Ourense region was no exception. While the exact extent of Roman construction at this particular site is not fully documented in available sources, the naming convention strongly suggests it was recognized and utilized during antiquity. The spring sits in a scenic area near the reservoir, surrounded by the lush, green landscape characteristic of inland Galicia. The GPS coordinates place it at approximately 41.9792°N, 7.9820°W, close to the border with Portugal. ## Directions 1. From the town of Bande in the Province of Ourense, head toward the Encoro das Conchas (Conchas Reservoir). 2. Follow local roads leading to the reservoir area — the spring is situated near the shoreline of the Encoro das Conchas. 3. Use the GPS coordinates **41.9792, -7.9820** for precise navigation, as signage to the spring may be limited. 4. Parking may be available along nearby roads or informal pull-offs close to the reservoir. *Note: It is recommended to use GPS navigation to reach the exact location, as the site is in a rural area with limited signposting.* ## What to Expect Visitors to the Roman Caldaria of Bande can expect a free, open-air hot spring experience in a tranquil rural setting near the Conchas Reservoir. The Province of Ourense is renowned for its naturally heated geothermal waters, and springs in this region typically emerge at elevated temperatures — though specific temperature readings for this site are not currently documented. The surrounding landscape features the rolling green hills, granite outcrops, and river valleys typical of inland Galicia. The nearby reservoir adds to the scenic beauty of the area and offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation. As with many rural thermal springs in Galicia, facilities at this site may be minimal or nonexistent — visitors should come prepared with towels, footwear suitable for uneven or wet terrain, and any supplies they may need. The spring is free to access. The broader Bande area is also home to other points of historical interest, including the Visigothic church of Santa Comba de Bande, one of the oldest surviving churches in Spain, making a visit to the Caldaria a rewarding stop on a wider cultural and natural tour of the region.