Baños del Pozo Amargo is a historic and natural site located in the province of Córdoba, Andalusia, home to the ruins of a spa with sulfur-calcium waters and an ancient complex of 12th-century Islamic baths. The spring, with a flow rate of 135 liters per minute, emerges at 17.50 °C and features crystal-clear water with a distinct hydrogen sulfide odor and a salty, bitter taste. The spa, which opened in 1914, ceased operations in 1930 and was completely abandoned in 1936 with the outbreak of the Civil War. Currently, the mineral-medicinal waters flow onto private property and are used to fill a large private swimming pool, with no therapeutic purpose. From the viewing point, you can see the Sierra de Pozo Amargo, the source of the Guadaíra River, and the hills and farmhouses with evocative names such as Carchite and Wacanilla. The building at No. 17 on Calle del Pozo Amargo is a simple structure with a small limestone coat of arms above its gate; it combines new construction with old masonry and conceals part of the Islamic baths in its basement. These ancient spaces, preserved thanks to their water- and fire-resistant construction, include three rooms: a small first room with a horseshoe arch, and two larger, rectangular twin rooms with Islamic influences. The site holds historical significance as it was once listed as one of Andalusia’s most important spas, with waters used to treat eczema, rheumatism, dyspepsia, and other skin conditions. Although the spa is in ruins, the waters continue to flow, and efforts by local residents and the government have helped address the neglect of the Guadaíra River. The best time to visit is in spring or fall, when weather conditions are more favorable and visitors can appreciate the mountain’s vegetation.
