At the foothills of Montserrat mountain is an abandoned Thermal bath house, clinic and Spa complex called La Puda that was considerably popular decades ago. It was claimed in the 19th century that the sulphated water could cure diseases.
In the 19th Century, administrations began to regulate everything related to hot springs and a doctor came to La Puda, discovering the medicinal properties of the water. At the time there was no building and the necessary permits were sought to construct the first modest building. In the middle of the 19th Century when a much larger project was built, fame began to skyrocket through the region. The building that is now the town hall of Olesa de Montserrat was previously a hotel that was built exclusively as a hotel for visitors to La Puda.
The Iron foot bridge was built in 1858 to a design by architect Elias Rogent to link the spa to the Esparreguera Road over the river Llobregat. However, the Bridge was never the main access to the Spa as the dedicated railway station (1922) and road access was via the other side of the river.
The peak of fame for La Puda was between the end of the 19th century and the civil war. At the time it was common for the bourgeoisie of Barcelona to visit the spa. The Water in La puda was also sold in Barcelona. There was even a railway built to expressly access La Puda.
After years of losing importance to the beaches, La Puda was abandoned during the 1970s. Before the Olympic games in Barcelona a new owner cleaned it up after the building roofs and walls were damage by a significant flood and landslide after heavy rains. The intention was to rehabilitate the complex but the project never came to fruition.
The abandoned building has great architectural value. It was designed by renowned Sabadell based architect Josep Oriol Bernadet in a neoclassical style. During the civil war the enclosure welcomed more that 500 refugees; well above it's designed capacity.
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The current owner intends to recover the spa and would like to do something to the clinic. Stating that the location is magnificent; it has many possibilities and something positive can be generated for people's quality of life, intending to make a more popular establishment than what has been in the past. There is abundant literature that explains the benefit of sulphated water to fight dermatological problems, Psoriasis or osteoarthritis.
At the moment, for lack of funds, Investors are being sought for the rehabilitation of La Puda. Meanwhile, on hold, the site has been suffering from robberies. Doors, metal fixtures and fittings and even a whole elevator car have been stolen from the site. The council of Esparreguera has also expressed willingness to invest if the historical aspects are conserved.
NOTE: The building is privately owned and not open to the public. However, should you enter the buildings, be aware that the complex is extremely unstable and is very dangerous, especially after heavy rainfall. You enter at your own risk with the knowledge that you are trespassing on private property.
The route is via brushland where there is a medium possibility of finding poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars in spring and summer. La puda is a ruin and I do not recommend entering with a dog because of the risk of falls and broken glass on the ground. From la puda to FGC Aeri de Montserrat station the rural track runs parallel to the Llobregat river and there are places for a dog to swim.
This is a medium walking route and I always do it with a small rucksack of the essentials including first aid kit. Emergency waterproof jacket is optional depending on the weather forecast.
Take 1 to 2 litres of water because there is nowhere to top up water bottle along the route. Don't forget a head torch if you want to explore the ruins.
Address: Cami de la Puda S/N, Olesa De Montserrat. 08640
The quickest way is to get the FGC train to Aeri de Montserrat and walk south parallel to the river for about 2km.
However, I have a more interesting 11km walking route starting at Renfe Vacarisses-Torreblanca RODALIES line R4 and walking via Sant Salvador hermatage to la Puda. The route finishes at the FGC Aeri de Montserrat station. See the Wikiloc Tab
Vacarisses-Torreblanca is on the RODALIES network. Aeri de Montserrat is on the FGC network.
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A walk in the mountains near Montserrat starting at Vacarisses via Sant Salvador mountain top chappel and La puda Abandoned thermal baths.
Distance: 10.72 km
Difficulty: Easy
Return Travel Fare: €10.25
Transport Network: Rodalies & FGC
Mountain Forecast weather for Montserrat Mountain
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