Malos Pasos Spring
A healing oasis in the heart of the Cordoba mountains. A spring where deep geology meets the history of pilgrims and the thermal tradition of Villaharta.
History and Strategic Surroundings
Located in the north of the province of Cordoba, next to the Cañada Real Soriana and the Mozarabic Camino de Santiago, this spring is no mere landscape coincidence. For centuries, it served as a vital watering hole and a therapeutic resting point.
Pilgrims walking towards Santiago found in its cold, mineral-rich waters a natural remedy to combat muscle fatigue and regain strength, while the great transhumance routes guaranteed sustenance for the flocks on their long peninsular journeys.
The Secret of its Waters
The first thing that will catch your attention is the intense reddish color of the stone and the kiosk. This is because the water is ferruginous. Upon emerging and coming into contact with oxygen, the dissolved iron (up to 1 mg/l) oxidizes immediately, dyeing the surroundings and giving it that peculiar metallic taste.
Technically classified as calcium-magnesium bicarbonate, acidic, and carbonic water, its acidity (pH of 5.90) and the presence of natural carbon dioxide give it that “spicy” or sour touch that gives its name to the entire Fuente Agria Spa complex. This chemical profile is the result of a long journey filtering through limestone and dolomite rocks deep within the earth.
Heritage, Science, and Rescue
As early as 1913, the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (I.G.M.E.) included this spring in its official catalog of “Mineral-medicinal Waters of Spain”, formally recognizing its therapeutic value and certifying that these are no ordinary waters.
Although the original spa fell out of use and its old facilities fell into ruin, the Villaharta City Council has carried out fundamental work to reconstruct the old kiosk. Thanks to this, the spring flows freely today and the surroundings are completely open to visitors, keeping alive the local tradition of coming to drink its waters for healing purposes.
Follow the water route
The springs of Villaharta hold centuries of history, legends, and unique properties that the Cordoba land has gifted to travelers and locals. Come discover and taste them!
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