Fontcalda is one of the most special places in Terra Alta.
It is a small sanctuary and former spa located inside a gorge of the Canaletes river, surrounded by quite spectacular rock walls.
What is there
A 14th–15th century sanctuary dedicated to the Mare de Déu de la Fontcalda.
Thermal water springs that come out at around 28 °C.
Natural pools in the Canaletes river where people bathe.
An old spa that operated mainly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The name “Fontcalda” literally comes from font + calda (hot).
The thermal water comes out of a spring that passes through deep limestone rocks and comes out slightly hot all year round.
In the past it was used for:
rheuma
skin problems
muscle pain
Today it no longer operates as a formal spa, but people still bathe there.
La Fontcalda is inside a small, very narrow canyon of the Canaletes river:
rock walls of about 50–100 m
many gorges and pools
in summer it is a very popular place to cool off.
