"Spa, the original place where mineral water wells" Spa by Pavlik_NL

Spa Travel Guide: 48 reviews and 71 photos

The main square between the bathhouse and casino

Sources, healthcare, bathing and water

Spa, in various languages it has become synonime for "mineral water" or a place where one goes to cure (with bathing therapy and drinking healthy cleaning waters). Here in the Belgian Ardennes it is situated, the town of "Spa" that has won it's fame over the whole world in a centuries long "mondain"ness being attracting the wealthy, famous and rich to it's bathinghouses and sources. Royalty, millionaires, actors, musicians, painters, scientists and excentric persons ... they all came for a taste of "Spa".

Water ... that's what it all is about

One of famous sources that one can tap water from

Spa-water is bottled and shipped all over the world. The mineral water is, especially in Europe, one of the topbrands with a considerate market-share. This exported water is mostly from the source of Marie-Henriette. Source, though a very French word, is however not used here in Spa. A typical Wallonian word "Pouhon" means "well / source is visible on the maps and roadsigns. Two of these "Pouhons" are downtown, the others are in the surrounding forests of Spa. The "route the sources" connects them all together, for those who have incredable thirst.

"Grandeur" of the past -neglectance of the present

The famous bath house even is in a poor state

Most shocking to see is how the present inhabitants of Spa have taken the tendensy of doing these things the "French" way (the maintaining their inheritance). Most buildings are poorly restored or even not at all (plaster falling off the sides, paint disappearing, leaking roofguthers and cracks in walls and wood everywhere). The streets are dirty and there's chaotic traffic (also beacuse roadsigns are ignorantly placed on invisible spots and even the park is like a garbage-belt. On top of that are the citizens relatively quite rude and annoying (doesn't count for the tourist information where I was perfectly helped). But guys that think it's funny to wave hands in front of a photographer and shouting nitwits in the trafficjams are not my favourit kind of human lifeforms.

This town with it's great history should be a privilige to live in and keep it up shape. The environment is so natural that it should have a positive impact on the residents here.
I was really shocked to see how it all is looking now-a-days and maybe it needs a German / Dutch hand to restore order, beauty and discipline (at least that's my thought immediately to at least create a positive tickle towards the Wallonians). Let's hope that the city and district governement acts, before a world-geritage-site is completely ruined.

Intro Updated Aug 9, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (14)

Spa and the Jugendstile Off The Beaten Path (2)

Spa was placed many times in large Jugendstile posters. This because this particular style was rather popular in the... more travel advice

Turn of the century and Spa's fame - Spa

The Golden Age of Spa Favorites (2)

Spa was famous as health-resort and for it's mineral water from the late medieval times into the renaissance. The real... more travel advice

The difference between Spa Red and Blue Favorites (2)

For those who are not familiar with Spa mineral water ... In Europe ordering a "Spa" means asking for a mineral water... more travel advice

Looking along the streets in Spa for some water - Spa

A traditional in many Belgian towns Restaurants (1)

Also in Spa they have that cafe that has the name of bringing it's visitors sudden death. No, the waiter won;t stab you... more travel advice

Comments (5)

Reply
- Report abuse
balhannah Jan 6, 2012 at 3:31 PM

I hadn't heard of this Town, but by your photo's, I can see it is quite beautiful. I hope common sense has prevailed, and they have renovated the building's,it would be such a shame to see them deteriorate badly!
Thanks for sharing this lovely page!
Reply
- Report abuse
prleprle Apr 26, 2005 at 6:24 AM

Is that really in so bad condition? On your photos is looks quite well and charming and all that flowers around make that place looks really relaxing.
Reply
- Report abuse
matcrazy1 Aug 15, 2003 at 6:58 PM

You are right: most famous spas have a luxury casino (in Europe) when rich and famous want to loose some money! Hmm... I think I'd skip casino but not the spa itself.
Reply
- Report abuse
vesna04 Aug 11, 2003 at 10:14 AM

I just got back from one spa and I would go to another ! Thanks:)
Reply
- Report abuse
Annapet Aug 9, 2003 at 2:44 PM

I learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing, Paul. I hope the historic buildings and monuments get restored.