As Burgas de Ourense
About this heritage
Las Burgas, located in the very center of Ourense, are one of the most recognizable symbols of the city and a benchmark of Galician thermalism. This thermal complex features three fountains from different eras and architectural styles. The upper fountain, the oldest, dates back to the 17th century and has two spouts and simple decoration with a pine cone, as well as two Roman altars. The middle fountain is the most modern, inaugurated in 2010, designed by the Galician architect César Portela, and includes a large bathing pond and contemporary sculptures. The lower fountain, of 19th-century neoclassical style, has several spouts and a central basin.
The waters of Las Burgas, with high temperatures (between 64 and 68 ºC), are known for their therapeutic properties and their composition rich in salts, silicates, fluorine, and lithium. Additionally, the complex houses replicas of Roman altars and plaques that recall the history and legends associated with these waters, such as that of the Roman lady Calpurnia. Declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1975, Las Burgas, along with the Cathedral and the Roman Bridge, are among the great emblems of Ourense, the “City of the Burgas” called “Cidade das Burgas”.
To learn more
Did you know that in Ourense there are magical fountains called Las Burgas? They are in the city center and have three different parts: the upper one is very old, with two water jets and some Roman stones; the middle one is like a big pool where people can bathe in warm water, and it was made by a famous architect named César Portela; the lower one is more modern and has several taps to drink the water.
The water from Las Burgas comes out very hot, almost as if it were boiling! They say it is very good for the skin and for healing wounds. Also, near the fountains there are statues and plaques that tell stories of Romans and a lady named Calpurnia, who made a promise to the water nymphs. Las Burgas are one of the most important places in Ourense, along with the cathedral and the Roman bridge.
To know it better
The thermal complex of Las Burgas, in the historic center of Ourense, constitutes a heritage and thermal reference of Galicia, declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1975. It consists of three distinct fountains: the Burga de Arriba, of popular 17th-century style, with two spouts and pine cone ornamentation, incorporating two Roman altars in its structure; the Burga do Medio, inaugurated on July 28, 2010, is the work of architect César Portela and stands out for its 200 m² thermal pond and the sculptures “A casa da nube” and “Calpurnia Abana”; the Burga de Abaixo, of 19th-century neoclassical style, features two side spouts and a carved central basin.
The hyperthermal waters of Las Burgas (64-68 ºC), of high salinity and silicated, fluoridated, and lithic composition, emerge through an East-West oriented fault and are indicated for the treatment of various dermopathies. The space includes replicas of the four Roman altars found in the city, the first of which is an offering from Calpurnia Abana Aeboso to the nymphs, considered the first known name of an inhabitant of Ourense. The etymology of the toponym is debated, oscillating between the Celtic “beru” (hot) and the Latin “burca” (basin). Las Burgas, along with the Cathedral and the Roman Bridge, form the symbolic core of Ourense’s urban identity, reinforced by the recent rehabilitation and heritage enhancement led by César Portela.
Location
- Locality
- Ourense
- Municipality
- Ourense
- Province
- Ourense
- Country
- Spain
The asset
- Eco-destination
- Río Miño – Ourense
- Environment
- Urban
How to get there
- Access
- By land
The visit
- Visitable
- Yes
Coordinates
- Latitud
- 42.33458
- Longitud
- -7.86537