Ruta Patrimonial

La Mina Hot Spring Source and municipal washing places

La Mina hot spring source is a source of thermal water, also known by the name Raig d’en Mel. It came about as a result of construction done for a mine in order to dry out a marshy field.

During the 1840s, its hot water was channelled underground to bath houses, which were the origins of the Prats and Soler Thermal Spas. The water from the source was bottled for the consumption of the Prats Thermal Spa under the name “Prats Thermal Spa Water” and by the Soler Thermal Spa as “Catalonia Hot Spring Source” until both merged under the name “Malavella Water.” Finally, in 1985 it was acquired by Vichy Catalan. The water flows at around 60ºC and has famous properties, so it is normal for people to come from the county to take it.

The washing places nearby fill with water that emanates from the hot spring source, and throughout the county it enjoyed much fame due to its suitability for casting. This is the origin of the toponymy Riera del Lleixiu, which flows in front and which collects its waters.