The existence of thermal waters andtheir proximity to the Vía Augusta arethe key to understanding the start ofsignificant thermal spa activity in Romantimes in the city of Caldes de Malavella.

The town centre formed around the thermal water enclosures received the name Aquae Calidae (hot waters) and was so important that it was considered, already in the century BC, a municipality of Latin law. In addition to the thermal spas and related amenities, the Roman town of Caldes de Malavella also had an administrative, religious, economic and commercial centre.

The urban centre of Aquae Calidae, of which some structures are preserved, was located between Saint Grau Hill and Las Ànimes Hill.