LUSO
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3,000.
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Rua Emídio Navarro
(Tel: 231 939 133 ). -
Mon–Sat.
In the 11th century Luso was just a village linked to a monastery at Vacariça,
but it developed into a lively spa town in the 18th century as its hot-water
springs became a focus for tourism. The thermal waters, which originate from a
spring below the Capela de São João , are said to be of
therapeutic value in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, from bad
circulation and muscle tone to renal problems and rheumatism.
There are a number of grand, if somewhat faded, hotels here, and an elegant Art
Nouveau lobby adorns the former casino, but the main reason for visiting the
resort is to enjoy its spa facilities. An additional attraction of Luso is the
proximity of the treasured national forest of Buçaco, which is a powerful
presence above the town.
Between Luso and Curia, Mealhada is an attractive small
town in the heart of a region famous for leitão , sucking
pig. This enormously popular dish is prominently advertised at numerous
hotly competing restaurants in the area.
In response to the Portuguese enthusiasm for thermal waters and
health-orientated holidays, spa resorts have developed across the northern
half of the country, with several of them in the Beiras, near Luso. All
offer extensive sports facilities and a calm ambience as well as treatments
for all the body’s major systems. Most spas close for the winter, but Curia,
16 km (10 miles) northwest of Luso, is open all year for relaxation and
treatments. Luso itself produces the country’s best-known bottled mineral
water.
