Baños de Molgas town hall

Baños de Molgas Town Hall sits at the heart of a small municipality of around 1,500 people, tucked into the inland hills of Ourense province in Galicia. As the seat of local government for a district that forms part of the Comarca de Allariz, roughly 28 kilometres from the provincial capital, the building is the administrative anchor for a place whose very name points to its best-known feature: hot springs used since Roman times.

Where exactly is Baños de Molgas?

The town lies in a valley once crossed by the Roman Via Nova, the road that linked Bracara Augusta with Asturica Augusta. Ancient itineraries record a waystation called Salientibus along this route, and historians place it here — a reminder that this quiet corner of Galicia once sat on a working artery of the Roman road network. Old bridges and the thermal springs themselves are the most tangible traces of that past still in daily use today.

What can visitors see near the town hall?

Beyond the administrative centre, the municipality offers a handful of sites worth the detour. The thermal spa remains active and is the area's signature attraction, drawing on naturally hot water that Roman settlers are believed to have already valued for its properties. A short distance away stands the chapel of Santa Eufemia, a modest pre-Romanesque structure dating to the 9th century. It was declared a protected historic monument back in 1931 and now ranks among the more significant examples of early medieval religious architecture on the Iberian Peninsula.

Is there a pilgrimage site nearby?

Yes — on Monte Medo, within the municipal boundary, stands the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Miracles, the leading Marian pilgrimage site in the whole of Ourense province. Local tradition traces its founding to the 12th century, following a reported apparition to a young shepherdess. The current Baroque-Neoclassical church was completed in 1768 and still draws pilgrims from across Galicia, especially during the annual festivities held in its honour.

What is everyday life like in the municipality?

Baños de Molgas remains a quiet, largely rural community where farming and small-scale spa tourism set the pace of daily life. The town hall functions as the natural point of reference for residents, handling local paperwork and announcing patronal festivities and community events. For visitors, it also makes a convenient starting point for exploring the area's heritage sites, most of which lie only a few kilometres from the centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Baños de Molgas have hot springs? Yes — the municipality takes its name from them. The thermal springs have been used since Roman times and remain a local spa attraction today.

How far is it from Ourense? The town centre lies about 28 kilometres from the city of Ourense, the provincial capital.

What else is there to see besides the town hall? The 9th-century pre-Romanesque chapel of Santa Eufemia and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Miracles on Monte Medo, the province's main Marian pilgrimage site.

Does the area have Roman-era history? Yes — the Roman Via Nova once ran through the area, and ancient sources record a waystation called Salientibus in this location.

How many people live in the municipality? Baños de Molgas has around 1,500 residents and keeps a rural character centred on a small administrative core.