Escaldes-Engordany's Thermal Towns Bid Gets Positive Nod from Expert

Escaldes-Engordany's bid to join the European Association of Historic Thermal Towns has received a positive initial assessment from Hans Hornyik, president of the association's Scientific Committee, following his on-site evaluation this week.

Hornyik, an Austrian expert, began his visit on Wednesday, touring sites tied to the parish's thermal heritage, such as the Caldes Project, Hostal Valira, Santa Anna Square, historic bridges, Hotel Carlemany, the former Hotel Muntanya, the old Llana wool factory, and the pumping station under Espai Caldes. He described the parish's legacy as "very interesting," noting its integration into modern development and preservation of elements like thermal waters used historically for wool treatment, private uses, and later balneary purposes. "Everywhere you can find remains of this thermal history," he said, adding that locals may not fully appreciate the extent of their heritage: "I think most citizens don't know what they have here. There is heritage everywhere."

While Hornyik views the candidacy as aligning with the association's philosophy—"From my point of view, it fits within the organization... For my part, it looks very promising, so we move forward"—he stressed that his opinion alone is insufficient. The six-member Scientific Committee, comprising two heritage experts (including himself), two hydrological institute directors, and two cultural movement specialists, will review the full documentation. If timelines hold, they will discuss it by late August before issuing a final report. The Executive Council will then decide on new memberships by late September, typically following the committee's recommendation. Approval would grant full membership, allowing participation in the October General Assembly in Greece.

Cònsol Major Rosa Gili, alongside Youth and Citizenship councillor Ramon Tena, accompanied Hornyik. Gili called membership "a great opportunity" to share practices, learn from peers in countries like Austria, France, Spain, Italy, and Greece, and boost the parish's international profile. The parish is finalizing its candidacy dossier, detailing thermal history, water's patrimonial value, the Caldes Project, and recent cultural-tourism initiatives.

Thursday's agenda included Caldea facilities, a working meeting with Comú officials, a historic centre visit, and a farewell lunch. The association, endorsed by the Council of Europe, unites thermal towns from Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Croatia to foster collaboration on heritage, tourism, health, and wellbeing.