Spa

Founding and First Mentions

The history of the city of Spa is inextricably linked to its healing springs. Although Romans, including Pliny the Elder, mentioned the waters of this region as early as the 1st century AD, Spa began to form as a proper settlement much later—during the Middle Ages. The name of the city itself, which has become a common noun worldwide, is believed by some to originate from the Walloon word "espa", meaning "fountain" or "spring."

The official date for the "discovery" of its resort potential is often considered to be 1326. Legend has it that a blacksmith named Collin le Loup, who suffered from an ailment, was cured by water from a spring now known as Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand. This event gave impetus to the development of the settlement around the healing waters.

Key Factors in Its Rise

The transformation of a small settlement into a famous resort was driven by a unique combination of natural and geographical conditions:

• Geology and Hydrology: The presence of numerous mineral water springs, rich in iron and carbon dioxide, became the main magnet for visitors and the foundation of the future economy.
• Geography and Resources: Its location in the forested Ardennes provided access to timber, which initially favored the development of metallurgy and later the construction of guest infrastructure.
• Political Status: Spa was part of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. The relative stability and patronage of the Prince-Bishops of Liège allowed the city to develop safely and host noble guests.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Interestingly, before becoming the "Café of Europe," the region was known for its metallurgical industry. In the early period, Spa’s economy relied on smithies and smelters. However, as the popularity of balneotherapy grew, the focus shifted.

As early as the 16th century, active trade in bottled water began. Water from Spa was filled into jugs and sent to neighboring countries, which was an innovation for that time. This contributed to the formation of a unique culture of hospitality: the city began to be rebuilt for the convenience of aristocrats arriving for treatment, laying the foundation for its golden age in the 18th century.

Key Milestones in Spa's History

• 1st Century AD — The Roman writer Pliny the Elder first mentions the region's healing waters in his works, noting their unique properties.
• 1326 — Blacksmith Collin le Loup discovers the spring known today as Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand, which marks the starting point of the resort's development.
• 16th Century — Active export of local bottled mineral water to other European countries begins, making the city's name famous.
• 1717 — A visit by the Russian Tsar Peter the Great brings the city wide international renown and attracts the attention of European nobility.
• 1762 — "La Redoute" opens—the first modern casino in the world, turning the city into a center of social life.
• 1774 — Construction of "Waux-Hall" is completed, the second major entertainment complex and gambling house for the aristocracy.
• 1868 — Railway service reaches the city, significantly increasing the flow of tourists and those seeking to improve their health.
• 1888 — The city's casino hosts the first official beauty pageant in history, with Bertha Soucaret crowned as the winner.
• 1921 — The famous Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit opens near the city, eventually becoming a legend in motorsport.
• 2021 — The city is officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe" site.

Stages of Development and Urban Transformation

The development of Spa is the story of a small settlement by a spring transforming into the gold standard for European resorts. Each era brought changes to the city's architectural appearance, economy, and culture.

• The "Golden Age" and the Birth of the Entertainment Industry (18th Century).
  The construction of the world's first modern casinos ("La Redoute" and "Waux-Hall") radically changed the city's economic model. Spa ceased to be just a medical center and became the "Café of Europe"—a hub for social life, balls, and gambling, which required the creation of a suitably luxurious infrastructure.
• Formation of the Resort Landscape.
  For the convenience of the aristocracy, famous promenades were laid out, such as the "Seven O'Clock Park" (Parc de Sept Heures). This urban planning decision divided the city into functional zones: therapeutic, entertainment, and walking areas, setting the standard for other spa resorts worldwide.
• The Railway Revolution (Mid-19th Century).
  Connecting Spa to the railway network opened the resort to the bourgeoisie and middle class. This led to a construction boom, the appearance of large hotels, and an increase in tourist flow, securing the region's economic stability.
• Architectural Renewal of the Leopold II Era (Late 19th Century).
  With the support of the Belgian King, the city acquired a monumental look. New thermal baths (Thermes de Spa) and the covered Leopold II Gallery, connecting key locations, were built. This transformation allowed the city to compete with the increasingly popular seaside resorts.
• Sports Diversification (20th Century).
  The construction of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and the opening of an airfield reoriented part of the economy toward sports tourism. This decision allowed the city to remain attractive even during periods when interest in traditional balneotherapy declined.
• Preservation and UNESCO Status (21st Century).
  Inclusion in the "Great Spa Towns of Europe" list solidified Spa's status as an open-air museum. The current stage of development focuses on preserving historical heritage and eco-tourism, limiting haphazard construction.

The 'City of Waters' Urban Concept

The architectural character of Spa is unique because it was formed not around a market square or a feudal castle, but around healing springs (known locally as pouhons). Urban planning here is centered on the idea of a "therapeutic landscape." The city was designed so that medical treatment would blend harmoniously with leisurely strolls and social life.

A key feature of the layout is the integration of the urban environment with the nature of the Ardennes. Parks, such as the "Seven O'Clock Park" (Parc de Sept Heures), flow seamlessly into forested areas, while covered galleries allow for promenades in any weather, connecting the springs with hotels and the casino.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Spa’s architecture is an elegant mix of styles, reflecting the tastes of European aristocracy across different centuries. The following styles predominate in the city:

• Neoclassicism (18th Century).
  The "Golden Age" of the resort left behind austere and symmetrical buildings. This style, inspired by antiquity, was ideal for creating the atmosphere of respectability and order required for the nobility's leisure. Striking examples include the historic casino buildings and private mansions of that era.
• Eclecticism and Historicism (19th Century).
  The era of King Leopold II brought scale and opulence to the city. Architects blended elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles to give buildings a sense of monumentality. Local stone and slate were widely used during this period, giving the city its characteristic gray-blue hue.
• Industrial Architecture and Metalwork (Late 19th Century).
  With technological advancements, light and airy structures made of cast iron and glass appeared in Spa. This allowed for the creation of graceful pavilions and covered galleries that protected spa-goers from the unpredictable Belgian weather.
• Art Nouveau and Cottage Style (Turn of the 20th Century).
  The city's residential quarters are rich with Art Nouveau villas. Curved lines, floral ornaments, and asymmetrical facades adorn many private homes built for wealthy seasonal residents.

Iconic Buildings Shaping the Cityscape

Several architectural landmarks define Spa's visual identity and are must-see locations:

• Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand. The city's main pavilion, built in 1880 by architect Victor Besme. The building is an octagonal hall featuring a winter garden, where majestic architecture serves as a frame for the primary spring.
• Leopold II Gallery. A magnificent example of metal and glass architecture erected in 1878. This 130-meter covered colonnade connects two parks and serves as a symbol of the commitment to guest comfort.
• Casino de Spa. Although the building has been rebuilt several times after fires, its facade retains Neoclassical features, recalling the days when the world's first modern gambling house was opened here.
• Waux-Hall. Built in 1770, this complex is a rare surviving example of 18th-century entertainment architecture, combining ballrooms and gaming rooms in a strict classical style.

Prominent Figures in the History of Spa

For centuries, this city served as a meeting place for the European elite. Monarchs, writers, and adventurers came here for health and entertainment, leaving a significant mark on the resort's culture and architecture.

• Peter the Great (1672–1725) — The first Emperor of All Russia.
  His visit in 1717 was a turning point in the city's history. His successful treatment with Spa’s waters prompted the Tsar to recommend the resort to European courts, bringing the city international fame. In gratitude, residents named the main spring Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand and installed a bust of the monarch.
• Joseph II (1741–1790) — Holy Roman Emperor.
  He visited the resort in 1781. It was this monarch who is credited with the famous phrase calling Spa the "Café of Europe" (Café de l'Europe). This definition established the city's status as the continent's primary social drawing room, where the fates of nations were decided and intrigues were spun.
• Marie-Henriette of Austria (1836–1902) — Queen of the Belgians.
  The wife of King Leopold II loved Spa so much that she made it her permanent residence, effectively moving here from Brussels. She spent the final years of her life in the city, supporting local artists and musicians. The popular mineral spring Source de la Reine is named in her honor.
• Giacomo Casanova (1725–1798) — Famous adventurer and memoirist.
  He was a frequent guest of local gambling houses. In his memoirs, he described in detail the atmosphere of freedom and excitement that reigned at "La Redoute" casino, noting that in Spa, people part with their money and prejudices more easily than anywhere else.
• Victor Hugo (1802–1885) — French Romantic writer.
  He admired the wild nature of the Ardennes and often stayed in Spa during his travels. The local landscapes and the atmosphere of the ancient resort were reflected in his letters and travel notes, helping to popularize the region among the French intelligentsia.
• Leopold II (1835–1909) — King of the Belgians.
  The "Builder King" who defined the city's architectural appearance at the end of the 19th century. With his direct involvement and funding, new thermal baths and the magnificent covered gallery connecting the resort's key points were built, making leisure comfortable in any weather.
• Bertha Soucaret (1868–?) — History's first "Beauty Queen".
  In 1888, the Casino de Spa hosted the world's first official beauty pageant (Concours de Beauté). 18-year-old Bertha Soucaret from Guadeloupe beat hundreds of contestants to win the top prize, forever etching her name and the city of Spa into the history of the entertainment industry.