The baths known as Hedionda Baths represent one of the historical milestones of the massif of Utrera and, in general, of Casares. Its peculiarity as Sulphurous Baths and the length of their use since historic times has enriched its role not only as a historic and scientific reality but also as a highly-rated cultural element, which has influenced the cultural background of the village since antiquity and, in addition, enjoys an idyllic geographic location in a territory that has been especially rich in human activity since a very long time ago.
The baths have numerous legends which try to answer the questions surrounding its origins. One of them brings elements of magic and beliefs together, typical of these cases: as the story goes, the demon that lived in this water breathed his final breath upon being expelled by Saint James, given the water its sulphur smell. This legend is told by countless authors, all of them tourists, some of whom add their own modifications. However, the most popular legend is that which gives the water a noble, historic origin: in the year 61 B.C., Roman troops were to be found camping in this area, ready to face those of Pompey and, being infected by scabies, they were relieved by bathing there; although, according to others, it was Julius Caesar himself who was cured of a herpetic infection and ordered the construction of the baths that are preserved to this day.
What is in fact true is that since the earliest geographic treaties that mention the municipality of Casares, there has been reference to the curative properties of the fountain of Hedionda and its location.
However it happened, the historical importance comes from the spa area, initially Roman in its channelling and how the fountain was adapted to be used. Later remodellings, due to the variation in the levels of the volume of the spring, meant that the Arabs rebuilt its structure and expanded its walls and canals, brought to light by the latest archaeological excavation at the beginning of the 90s. Additionally, since the year 2016, these baths include natural swimming pools.
The remains of the baths are completed with works from the 17th century to the end of the 20th century, still preserved in part. Although the entity of the discovered ruins appeared to have little in common with the Roman magnificence of this type of constructions, the studies completed seem to confirm its Roman origin, even though some changes have occurred in the primitive structure.