La Hermida – Thermal Traditions and Gorge Landscape

When choosing a stay in La Hermida, you can weigh several themes against one another: the thermal traditions of Balneario La Hermida, the geology of the Desfiladero de La Hermida, the architecture of Ermita de San Pelayo and the Vía Ferrata La Hermida. These highlights appeal to different interests. At the Balneario, the focus is on springs, water and architectural history; at the Desfiladero, rock, river and terrain shape the landscape; at the chapel, a Gothic architectural feature draws attention to its design. You can therefore plan around the themes that interest you most.

Thermal Springs and Architectural History

The three medicinal mineral springs of Balneario La Hermida were already being used therapeutically in the mid-17th century. The medicinal mineral water flows naturally from three springs at a temperature of 60 °C. The three springs are therefore the common point of reference for both the early therapeutic use and the water temperature. In 1880, the classical thermal tradition was firmly established with the construction of the Gran Hotel, a church and new thermal galleries. The chronology runs from the use of the springs in the 17th century to construction in the late 19th century; the thermal history thus encompasses both the water and the buildings.

The Cueva Termal opened in November 2021. Its surroundings include various outdoor warm-water areas at 38 °C. If you are planning a specific visit, check the Balneario’s current visitor information in advance.

Gorge and Landscape

The Desfiladero de La Hermida is a river gorge in hard Paleozoic rock, cut by the River Deva. In places, the elevation difference reaches 1,000 metres. Bounded by limestone walls, the corridor narrows to around 100 metres at some points; its walls reach heights of up to 1,000 metres. These measurements describe both the striking relief and the gorge’s varying width. The river course, rock and elevation profile give you specific points of reference if landscape features and geology are especially important to you when choosing a destination.

There is a viewpoint and signage at the Desfiladero. If the viewpoint is important to your plans, check local information shortly before your visit.

Route and Architecture

The Vía Ferrata La Hermida is about 700 metres long and has an elevation difference of more than 300 metres. Length and elevation difference are two distinct measurements: one describes the route, while the other describes its vertical extent. If you are considering a via ferrata route as part of your travel plans, you can look at both figures separately and assess the route based on these specific measurements. This makes it a distinct highlight alongside thermal history and architecture.

Remains of the former Ermita de San Pelayo in La Hermida have been preserved. Its pointed triumphal arch indicates a Gothic period of origin. The shape of the arch provides a specific architectural point of reference for dating the chapel. While the rock, river and relief define the impression of the Desfiladero, here the focus is on a single architectural feature. For culture enthusiasts, this offers a distinct way to explore the architecture of La Hermida.

For the broader travel overview: Peñarrubia.