Escaldes-Engordany Bids to Join European Historic Thermal Towns Network

The Escaldes-Engordany parish council has formally submitted its candidacy to join the European Association of Historic Thermal Towns, a network linked to the Council of Europe that brings together municipalities with long-standing thermal traditions and related heritage.

Cònsol Major Rosa Gili and Youth and Citizenship councillor Ramon Tena presented the initiative at a press conference. Gili stated that membership would place Escaldes in an international catalogue of towns, strengthening its tourist profile and historical narrative. The parish, Andorra's only one with natural thermal springs, has spent recent terms reviving this heritage, particularly in its historic core.

The association, founded in 2009, counts around 51 members across 20 countries, including prominent sites like Baden-Baden and Vichy in Europe, Bath in England, Spa in Belgium, and closer locales such as Caldes de Montbui in Spain. Admission requires thermal water integrated into the urban fabric, documented historical use dating to at least the 19th century—such as in early hotels offering therapeutic treatments—and active municipal efforts to protect and promote associated tangible and intangible assets.

Escaldes' application dossier will highlight sites like the former Hostal Valira, the wool factory, early thermal hotels including Banys Muntanya and Fonda Pla, and the council's Caldes project to restore the historic area culturally and urbanistically. Tena noted the strict criteria go beyond mere springs, demanding proven historical ties and ongoing promotion.

A technical visit by association representatives is scheduled for this summer, followed by a comprehensive dossier submission. The final decision rests with the general assembly in Greece this October.

Council officials see benefits in prestige, shared promotion within Europe's historic thermal towns cultural itinerary, tourism diversification toward heritage and wellness seekers, and scientific collaboration. Member towns conduct studies on thermal water's therapeutic effects, such as Caldes de Montbui's trial with Barcelona's Hospital del Mar on alleviating severe symptoms in breast cancer patients. Escaldes has commissioned a local water analysis focusing on dermatological and respiratory applications, with Gili citing observed uses like inhalations in Portugal's Caldas da Rainha—site of a recent meeting where the parish attended as observer.

The process has already uncovered gaps, including the lack of specific legal protection for Andorra's thermal water. Tena described it as prompting the parish to "do its homework" by deepening historical research. To broaden involvement, the council is engaging residents, contacting families linked to old hotels, heritage property owners, and elders with thermal-era memories, and inviting contributions of photos, documents, or recollections.

Success would integrate Escaldes into a pan-European promotional circuit, fostering exchanges and funding opportunities while reinforcing its role as the cradle of Andorra's earliest tourism.