Curia: Thermal History, Art Nouveau and Park

Curia can be explored through several themes: the history of its springs, buildings from the early 20th century, and Parque da Curia with its gardens and lake. If you are looking for a hotel in Curia, these different interests can help guide your plans. Thermal history and architecture sit alongside opportunities to spend time outdoors and a range of leisure activities.

From the Springs to the Modern Thermal Facility

During the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Curia’s springs were known as “Aquae Curiva” and were used. A later chapter began in 1900: Curia’s modern thermal facility dates back to the Sociedade das Águas da Curia, which Albano Coutinho founded that year. Thus, the history of the town brings together the use of the springs in Roman times and the founding of an institution at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Buvette is also part of this story. It is located in Parque da Curia and is used for drinking Curia’s mineral medicinal waters. The park is therefore not only a place for garden walks and time by the lake, but also home to this site associated with the waters.

Curia Palace Hotel and the Ensemble

Curia Palace Hotel opened on 25 July 1926. It is an example of Art Nouveau and was designed by Norte Júnior. The hotel and its associated buildings include an ensemble classified as being of public interest. These include Chalet Navega, also known as Chalet das Rosas, the Capela da Senhora do Livramento, Piscina Paraíso, a garage and the surrounding gardens.

Some elements can be dated more precisely: the chapel is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Livramento. Piscina Paraíso is also part of the ensemble and is a modernist project dating from 1933–1934. The different names and buildings offer various points of interest if you are interested in architecture and building history; they are also parts of a shared group classified as an ensemble.

Station Building and Tile Panels

Another architectural landmark is Curia’s station building. It was designed by Cottinelli Telmo and opened in 1944. Inside, the building preserves four tile panels created by Jorge Barradas in 1945. The dates show a clear sequence: the station opened one year before the panels were created. For an architecture-focused outing, a building design and a specific example of decorative art complement one another, even though they do not date from the same year.

Walks and Time by the Lake

At Parque da Curia, you can enjoy the outdoors with a walk through gardens surrounding a central lake. The park also has several bridges, sports courts and a tea house. Pedal boats for two are available on the artificial lake. This offers two distinct ways to spend time in the park: a walk through the gardens or a ride for two on the water. The park’s features can be explored as separate stops, rather than limiting your visit to a single activity.

Other Activities and Getting There

For a Bairrada wine tasting, Espaço Bairrada in Curia offers an aroma game. Check the booking arrangements before your trip. Golf enthusiasts will find another point of interest at Curia Golf; the course was designed by Jorge Santana da Silva. The wine tasting and the golf course cater to different interests and do not need to be part of the same day’s plans.

Regional train journeys to Curia are listed as taking 25 minutes from both Aveiro and Coimbra B. Check current services before your trip. Alongside planning your time for the park, architecture or an activity, this travel information can help you organise your stay in Curia around your own interests.

For the broader travel overview: Tamengos.