Palace Hotel Vidago

The first hydrographic study of the thermal springs of Vidago occurred in 1863, following several years of visits by Portuguese locals and those seeking medical treatments. At the time there was a belief that the mix of sodium bicarbonates and "radioactive" elements were helpful in treating digestive problems. Since this period, though, the spas were closed, but at its height (1875 to 1877) was visited by people as important as the King D. Luís I of Portugal. Between 1876 and 1889 it was awarded prizes in Madrid, Paris, Vienna and Rio de Janeiro for its curative properties.
The hotel was constructed in 1910, and was considered the most luxurious in the Iberian Peninsula at the time. Designed by architect José Ferreira da Costa, it was inaugurated by King D. Manuel II at the time of its opening; his brother and father (King Carlos) had visited Vidago for treatment, the centre becoming a centre of concerts, tennis and croquet events and on the island in the park there was a skating rink.