Curia brings together the history of its springs, distinctive architecture and Parque da Curia. Visitors choosing the town as a destination will find several different highlights: its thermal history, a historic architectural ensemble, walks in the park, and golf and wine experiences.
Springs and thermal history
During the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Curia’s springs were known as Aquae Curiva and were used. A later milestone was the Sociedade das Águas da Curia, founded by Albano Coutinho in 1900, from which Curia’s modern thermal facility developed. Its history thus stretches from the use of the springs in Roman times to the founding of this society.
The Curia Palace Hotel opened on 25 July 1926. It is an example of Art Nouveau and was designed by architect Norte Júnior. Together with the other buildings and gardens that form part of the ensemble, the hotel belongs to a group of buildings classified as being of public interest.
Architecture with distinct historical milestones
The Curia Palace ensemble includes the Chalet Navega, also known as Chalet das Rosas, the Capela da Senhora do Livramento, the Piscina Paraíso, a garage and the surrounding gardens. The chapel is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Livramento. The Piscina Paraíso is also part of the ensemble and is a modernist project dating from 1933–1934. The different building types and dates provide specific reference points in Curia’s architectural history.
Another distinctive landmark is Curia railway station: Cottinelli Telmo designed the building, which opened in 1944. It retains four tile panels made by Jorge Barradas in 1945. Curia thus brings together different chapters of architectural history: the Art Nouveau hotel and the station with its later tile panels. Architecture enthusiasts can compare these historical milestones.
Parque da Curia
Parque da Curia offers outdoor walks through gardens surrounding a central lake. The park also includes several bridges, sports courts and a tea house. The lake provides a landmark for your walk, while the bridges and other park features mentioned here add to the route through the gardens.
The lake is artificial, and you can ride two-person pedal boats on it. The Buvette, also located in the park, serves a different purpose: it is used for drinking Curia’s mineral-medicinal waters. The park therefore offers several options, including walks, a pedal-boat ride and a visit to the Buvette.
Other interests: golf and wine
Curia Golf was designed by Jorge Santana da Silva. For a different kind of outing, Espaço Bairrada in Curia offers a Bairrada wine tasting with an aroma game. If you plan to take part in this tasting, check the booking arrangements before your trip. Golf and wine tasting add other interests to the architecture and park themes, without requiring you to follow a particular itinerary.
Getting there by regional train
Regional train connections to Curia are listed from Aveiro and Coimbra B, with a journey time of 25 minutes from each. Check current connections before your trip. This will help you coordinate your journey with your plans for the park, architecture or other activities.
For the broader travel overview: Tamengos.
