Europe is full of famous spa resorts promising treatments to cure various ailments, as well as offering recuperation for the weary and overworked. Some of the most well-known and historic spas include Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic – a UNESCO site famous for its hot springs and picturesque architecture – and Budapest in Hungary.
The Hungarian city is quite often referred to as the “Spa Capital of Europe” for its many thermal baths. However, both these resorts can become overcrowded due to their enormous popularity. Those seeking more tranquil settings should perhaps consider visiting Lanjarón in Spain.
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Granada, the village is a gateway to the Alpujarra region. It is also famous for its mineral water and health spa, the Balneario de Lanjarón.
The village became notorious following the introduction of an unusual decree in 1999, forbidding residents to die. The unusual ban was introduced by then-mayor José Rubio after the local cemetery reached full capacity and plans for its expansion were delayed.
With no space left for burials, Rubio’s measure was intended as a tongue-in-cheek protest to draw attention to the problem.
His decree called on locals “to take the necessary measures to avoid death” and the village quickly hit the headlines. At the time, the village had been regarded as having one of the oldest populations in Spain.
Despite the satirical nature of the decree, families were left devastated and explored burial options in neighbouring towns.
Local resident Marcos Simon acknowledged the order as a “publicity stunt”, albeit upsetting to some, and told the website Euroweekly: “Many of the villagers were extremely upset and frustrated because they had believed they had to find other areas where to bury their deceased.”
The cemetery shortage has since been resolved, but the “no death” decree remains a defining anecdote in the village’s history.