Spa. Belgium

Spa is one of Belgium’s most famous towns, nestled in a green valley of the Ardennes. It’s the very place that gave its name to the word “spa.” Known since Roman times for its mineral springs, it became a world-renowned destination for wellness and leisure, earning the nickname “Pearl of the Ardennes.”

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town flourished as a fashionable resort, welcoming royalty and artists from across Europe. Tsar Peter the Great, who visited in 1717, was so impressed that the main spring was later named Pouhon Pierre le Grand in his honor. Today, visitors can still drink its naturally sparkling waters or relax at the historic Thermes de Spa, perched on the hills above the city and connected by a funicular.

Spa’s charm extends beyond its springs. The town is home to the world’s oldest casino, elegant 19th-century architecture, and scenic trails surrounded by the Fagnes forest. It also hosts major cultural and sporting events, including the Francofolies de Spa festival and the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the nearby Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Today, Spa continues to embody the timeless spirit of European bathing culture. In 2021, the city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.