Health & Wellbeing: Natural Spas
Thermal Baths of Raffaello, Petriano, province of Pesaro Urbino
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Among the hills of Montefeltro, a stone's throw from Urbino, surrounded by woods and immersed in nature, is Petriano, a suggestive medieval village that houses the Terme di Raffaello. They are called this because it was the famous artist who decanted them, calling them "miraculous waters". The water from the "La Valle" spring, which gives rise to the Terme di Raffaello, gushes out at a temperature of 14°C, and contains an extraordinary concentration of mineral salts in the form of sulphates and bicarbonates that make it unique. Inside the spa there is the Oasi Spa, the wellness center that offers wellness programs in the pool, face and body treatments, cosmetics and massages, as well as a line of cosmetic products. The thermal establishment has an agreement with the National Health Service.
History
The benefits of these thermal waters have been known to populations since ancient times, but it was during the Renaissance that their fame spread thanks to a high number of cures. In 1422 Bonaiuto Ramunzi founded the first hospital for those who went to Petriano to be treated with the waters of the spa. The best-known testimony is that of Raffaello Sanzio, who in a letter to his uncle and tutor, in those days engaged in the Vatican to paint his famous Transfiguration, says how he ardently desired «to return to his homeland to drink a little of the miraculous waters of our Valley». The first scientific analysis dates back to the 19th century and is due to Professor Angelo Agrestini, who certified the curative efficacy of the waters of Raphael's baths: from that moment, the water took the name of "agrestiniana". The spa was completed in the 2000s.
Water specialties and spa treatments
Agrestinian water is classified as highly mineralized and sulphurous-sulphate-bicarbonate-alkaline-earthy.Excellent for the treatment of respiratory pathologies and of the locomotor and vascular systems, this water is very rich in trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, Sulfur, and is therefore very effective both for the prevention and for the treatment of the respiratory tract, the ear, of the vascular and musculoskeletal system.
The mud of the Terme di Raffaello matures in a fluid of abyssal clays of marine origin extracted from the Tausano quarry in the Municipality of San Leo.
Each thermal medicine treatment is offered: balneotherapy, inhalations, treatment of rhinogenous deafness, pulmonary ventilations, muds. But also whirlpools, hydro kinesitherapy, massages and motor rehabilitation.
In the wellness center for thermal and spa beauty treatments, the most renowned treatment is the Wellness itinerary which includes a 100 m2 heated thermal swimming pool equipped with waterfalls for neck and back massage, shower heads and hydromassage, where it is possible to follow courses of aqua gym, aqua soft and swimming against the current. Connected to it are two pools of thermal water for the vascular paths, completed by the infrared treatment for muscle relaxation. Facial and body beauty treatments are also available, such as press therapy, mud, salt and thermal water peeling, and candle massage.
Le Marche: the ideal destination to spend whole days of wellness and health. Nature with its colors and the historical tradition that gave rise to the spas of the Marche are the setting for the experience of pure relaxation that can be enjoyed in each of the spas in the region. Whether they are located in ancient villages or immersed in landscapes of rare beauty, the spas in the Marche are never crowded, and thus allow you to dedicate yourself to your well-being surrounded by peace. Le Marche is home to ten main thermal baths and spas, such as The Terme of Sarnano and Terme di Petriano.
These facilities offer a range of treatments using natural mineral waters known for their theraputic properties.
Please find below a list of the main spas across each of the five provinces of Le Marche!
Thermal Baths of Carignano, Fano, province of Pesaro Urbino
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Surrounded by a luxuriant natural park, in the Fano area, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, a few kilometers from the sea, the Terme di Carignano are unfortunately closed at the moment and cannot be used by visitors.
We would like to point them out anyway, in the hope that the establishment will reopen soon, because the curative properties of the waters of the Beatrice spring, together with the strategic position close to the sea, have made these spas very effective in the treatment of respiratory pathologies thanks to the combination of the benefits of the thermal waters with sea air.
History
The spas take their name from the noble family of Da Carignano, lords of this area for a long time. The Terme di Carignano are located downstream of the medieval village where the ancient family palace stands, and include, within the beautiful, wooded park, the building for thermal therapies built to a design by Cesare Salvelli in the 1920s .After the Second World War, the complex was completely refurbished.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The waters of the Beatrice spring are classified as sulphurous and salty-bromine-iodine, ideal for inhalation treatments in the form of nasal showers, aerosols, nebulisations, endotympanic insufflations, hot/humid inhalations, humage and nasal irrigations, and very effective against respiratory tract and rhinogenous deafness. Other treatments that the spa can offer are balneotherapy against vascular and rheumatic ailments, and mud against skin blemishes. The most exclusive treatment, given the position near the Adriatic Sea, is the thalassotherapy one.
Thermal Baths of Pitinum, Feltria, province of Pesaro Urbino
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Pitinum Thermae is the thermal establishment of Macerata Feltria, in the province of Pesaro-Urbino. The spas are nestled in the hills of Montefeltro and a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast.
Macerata Feltria is a splendid medieval village located on the banks of the Apsa river, from which one of the two natural springs of sulphurous water that feed the spa takes its name. The properties of these waters, rich in mineral salts and with a high magnesium content, make them particularly suitable for the treatment of respiratory system diseases. Thanks also to the second spring that feeds the Terme di Pitinum, called Certalto, the establishment offers many types of spa treatments and wellness programmes. The modern center, active since the early 2000s, is in fact specialized in inhalation treatments, such as nasal irrigations, aerosols, umage and nebulization.
In the beauty centre, you can immerse yourself in the sulphurous water of the thermal pool and continue the wellness program with steam baths in the thermal grotto, with massages or mud therapy. The structure is recent, and the treatments avant-garde, but the Thermal Baths recall the atmosphere and thermal traditions of the ancient Romans.
History
The Roman patrician family Pitinum gives its name to the Terme di Macerata Feltria, already known and frequented since Roman times, as evidenced by the vast archaeological ruins in the area. Later, in the fifteenth century, Pitinum was valued by the dukes of Montefeltro. In 1990 the modern center was created, of a high standard and affiliated with numerous institutions.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The Terme di Pitinum are fed by the Certalto spring, which flows at a temperature of 12 degrees. This water is so rich in minerals that it is classified as sulphurous, sulphate, bicarbonate and calcium-magnesium. Furthermore, thanks to the high hydrogen sulfide content, it is defined as medium-high sulfur content and is very tolerable by the body. This is why it is ideal for spa treatments for physically more delicate subjects such as the elderly and children. It is used in the treatment of phlegm, inflammation, as an antioxidant, decongestant and stimulant of the immune system, but it is also antiseptic. Excellent against diabetes and in cases of constipation thanks to their laxative effect, these waters are also an energizing and toning remedy for the muscles, thanks to the significant concentrations of magnesium. Finally, given their ability to reduce free radicals, these waters are also used in anti-aging treatments. The treatments that can be carried out at the Terme di Pitinum are the classic ones: mineral water treatment, balneotherapy, inhalations, endotympanic insufflations, pulmonary ventilations, mud therapy and gynecological treatments. The establishment also offers the Pitinum Thermae Spa, i.e. a wellness department which includes the beauty center where face, body, hand and foot treatments, massages and a swimming pool are performed spa with hydromassage inside two pools with sulphurous water, one at a temperature of 36 degrees, the other at a constant 30 degrees. The thermal grotto, on the other hand, is the steam bath that takes place inside a special room reproducing the conditions present in natural thermal stoves. The treatment is very useful for relaxation, purification of the skin and respiratory tract, and skin firming thanks to the 100% humidity which forms condensation, at a temperature of around 40/45 degrees.
Thermal Baths of Monte Grimano, province of Pesaro Urbino
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In the province of Pesaro Urbino, at an altitude of 600 meters in the suggestive Valle del Conca and not far from the Republic of San Marino, are the Terme di Monte Grimano, adjacent to the 4-star Hotel Villa Di Carlo.
There are two thermal springs: Fonte Cantoniera and Fonte Pia, and both flow to the surface at a temperature of 10 degrees. Immersed in a truly evocative landscape, the Spas are located in a park of centuries-old trees which gives them the charm of an oasis of relaxation and tranquility. There are two thermal pools, one inside at a temperature of 34 degrees, and a heated outdoor one. While the establishment includes the structures relating to spa treatments, the Villa di Carlo hotel has an elegant Spa area with a panoramic view. Access is also allowed to those who are not staying at the hotel, with a mandatory reservation. The Spa offers beauty treatments and wellness programmes, such as hydromassage, sauna and Turkish bath, and a thermal swimming pool is included.
History
Presumably already in Roman times, then throughout the Middle Ages, the locality was frequented as a "refreshment place" and vacation by those who lived in the towns along the coast or cultivated the plain close to the sea, from Cattolica to Rimini. The medieval denomination of this Montefeltro castle is Mons Germanus. With this name it is mentioned in the Diploma dated from Viterbo 16 August 962, with which the emperor Otto I gave it as a fief to Uldarico di Carpegna for helping him, in the siege of San Leo, to fight Berengario II. The thermal waters of Monte Grimano have been exploited since 1900.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The two therapeutic springs of Monte Grimano offer different properties and benefits: the Fonte Cantoniera is classified as alkaline, while the Fonte Pia is salty-bromine-iodic. From a curative point of view they are very versatile: they are in fact used for all types of thermal therapy, such as mud baths, balneotherapy and mineral water treatments, but also for all types of inhalation treatments, such as nasal showers, crenotherapy politzer, aerosols, nebulization’s, pulmonary ventilations , hot-humid inhalations. The treatments at the Terme di Monte Grimano are especially effective against digestive disorders, liver and biliary diseases, urinary tract diseases, and respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases.
The therapies also include the support of natural elements, i.e., herbal products, and wine therapy. Among the various treatments that you can take advantage of, there are also rehabilitation, hydro kinesitherapy and aesthetic medicine, alongside the classic baths in the thermal pool, whirlpool and sauna. A look at fitness, to complete the offer, with fitness trails set up inside the park and in the equipped gym.
Thermal Baths of Frasassi, Genga, province of Ancona
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The Terme di Frasassi, once known as Terme di San Vittore, from the name of the place where the healing and wellness facilities are located, are located in the territory of Genga, in the province of Ancona. The new name was chosen to highlight the main tourist attraction of the area, namely the Frasassi Caves, a renowned and amazing karst complex adjacent to the entrance to the spa. In fact, they are located inside the wonderful Frasassi Gorge, crossed by the Sentino river.
The area was already famous in Roman times for the beneficial sulphurous-sodic mineral waters that flow from the mountain at a temperature of 13 °C.The Terme di Frasassi have recently been modernized and expanded, with the creation of the Beauty Center which offers beauty and massage therapy treatments alongside the traditional spa treatments: thanks to the use of a particular sulphurous mud - highly anti-inflammatory -, the massages and the compresses are very effective in the treatment of osteoporosis, neuralgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatic and joint pains. The same mud is applied for beauty treatments, in fact it improves skin blemishes caused by acne, cellulite and stretch marks. The Terme di Frasassi are affiliated with the National Health System.
History
Archaeological excavations have brought to light that the springs of the Terme di Frasassi were already frequented in Roman times, but most probably the Italic populations knew them since prehistoric times. The activity of the modern spas began in 1922 and developed in 1965 with the expansion of the spa complex which led to the current layout of the establishment.The whole structure was renovated in the early 2000s.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The water of the Terme di Frasassi is classified as mineral and hypothermal sulphurous, thanks to the high presence of sulfur salts but also of sodium. It flows from the San Vittore spring, in the immediate vicinity of the plant, and this allows the water to be used without treatment interventions: in this way its chemical-physical characteristics are kept intact. The high sulfur content is extremely effective for the treatment of skin diseases, respiratory tract diseases (rhinogenic deafness) and rheumatic diseases affecting the osteo-articular system. The specificity of the Terme di Frasassi is that of offering a range of thermal therapies among the most diversified in all of Italy, in fact it is possible to take advantage of balneotherapy treatments, physiotherapy and rehabilitation massages, but also to undergo postural re-education and anti-fatiguing treatments for the limbs inferior. The Terme di Frasassi also offer therapeutic itineraries for children, in very pleasant environments because the spaces are equipped for their enjoyment. The beauty department includes anti-cellulite treatments, acne and skin spa treatments fat, anti-aging and moisturizing face and body treatments and numerous types of relaxing and decontracting massage, even aromatic. The treatments are very pleasant, because they take place with special baths in thermal water, with ozonized hydromassage, seaweed therapy and with the application of sulphurous mud.
The wellness center of the Terme di Frasassi also offers a wide range of aesthetic medicine treatments, such as outpatient micro-surgery, anti-wrinkle operations with botox and hyaluronic acid fillers.
Thermal Baths of Aspio, Camerano, province of Ancona
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The Terme dell'Aspio, in the municipality of Camerano in the province of Ancona, are located a stone's throw from the suggestive Monte Conero Park and its coast, unique on the Adriatic coast for its rocky conformation and also ideal for Byzantine history enthusiasts: on the in fact, the church of Santa Maria di Portonovo stands on the beach, a very rare example of the union between Romanesque and, indeed, Byzantine art.
But the Conero Riviera is also one of the most prestigious seaside destinations in Italy, with famous beaches such as Numana. Another attraction of the area are the Two Sisters, suggestive rock formations that stand out from the sea.
The spa is avant-garde and offers, in addition to the classic spa treatments, psycho-physical well-being programs and anti-aging treatments. There is also a golf course. The Baths exploit the four salsobromoiodic springs that emerge near the Aspio stream. Also suitable for children for the prevention and treatment of ear infections, allergies, bronchitis and sinusitis, the Terme dell'Aspio are also frequented by sportsmen and athletes for check-ups, such as spirometry and electrocardiograms, and sports doctor visits. The center also offers wellness programs and beauty massages performed with thermal water.
History
According to tradition, it was the angels, on May 10, 1281, who enriched the springs of the baths with beneficial properties to quench the thirst of the Madonna during the translation of the House of Nazareth to Loreto.
Pliny the Elder testifies that the Aspio baths were already used in ancient Rome, writing of the innumerable health benefits that these waters guarantee. After centuries of non-use, the spas became active again in the 1800s, and their exploitation for curative purposes began in the 1900s. Their properties were confirmed in 1928 by Professor Viola of Bologna, who affirms that the waters of the Aspio are the best mix of active principles that nature has created.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The Terme dell'Aspio are fed by four salsobromoiodic thermal springs. Santa Maria, Forte, Nuovo and Regina Coeli, these are the names of the springs, provide ideal drinking waters for the treatment of kidney stones, diuresis and gastro intestinal disorders. These therapies are accompanied by inhalation treatments with sulphurous water (inhalations, nasal or micronized showers and aerosols), mineral water treatments and beauty treatments that combine the active ingredients of water with massages. The anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, laxative and detoxifying properties of the waters used in the spa mean that it can also offer deep intestinal lavage treatment, which cleanses the digestive tract while preserving the flora
bacterial. Other types of washing provided by the plant are ear washing and vaginal irrigation, useful for treating many ailments of the female genital system. The spa includes six specialist clinics, a relaxation area and a play area for children.
Thermal Baths of Santa Lucia, Tolentino, province of Macerata
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The Terme di Santa Lucia are the thermal establishment of Tolentino, in the province of Macerata. They are located on a hill, at an altitude of 450 meters, immersed in a wonderful ancient wood, from which you can admire a breathtaking panorama. Tolentino, historic village and economic center of the foothills, only three km away, has a tourist vocation linked to San Nicola: in the center of the city is located - and can be visited - the large basilica named after him. The Terme di Santa Lucia are one of the most important curative spas in Italy for the treatment and prevention of rhinogenic deafness and other ENT diseases in children. For this reason, the Spas have set up spaces for the little ones, such as the playground. The environment is structured to put children in the most serene condition in dealing with therapies. Another excellence of the Terme di Santa Lucia are the two different thermal waters used in the treatments, so that it is possible to treat almost all pathologies: the "Santa Lucia" water is calcium bicarbonate, while the "Rofanello" water is of two types : salsobromoiodic and sulphurous. In the large Wellness Center you can take advantage of numerous therapies: hydroponic treatments for metabolic and urinary tract disorders, inhalation treatments to reduce inflammation and decongest the respiratory tract; balneotherapy treatments for the treatment of osteoarticular affections, gynecological treatments using Rofanello's salsobromoiodic water to relieve female ailments ;The Terme di Santa Lucia also host a renowned center for Sports Medicine, a thermal pediatric department, a sector dedicated to functional re-education, a beauty centre, a back pain treatment department, a phlebology department, and a fully equipped treatment of rhinogenous deafness. The Terme di Santa Lucia have an agreement with the National Health Service.
History
Since time immemorial, the local population has handed down the curative virtues of the water of the Terme di Santa Lucia. But it is from the beginning of the fifteenth century that a large influx of travelers begins to be recorded in the town of Rofanello, attracted by the fame of the thermal waters. The first thermal establishment was built in 1507. The first scientific studies of the waters of the Terme di Santa Lucia date back to 1587, which over the centuries have been analyzed several times, until 1938, when the inauguration of the new thermal establishment took place.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The Terme di Santa Lucia exploit three sources of thermal water, namely the source of Santa Lucia and the two sources of Rofanello. Santa Lucia water, mineral and rich in calcium and bicarbonate, is mainly used in mineral water treatment against urinary tract pathologies and metabolic dysfunctions. The waters of Rofanello are a salsobromoiodic, mineral and rich in sodium chloride - especially useful for its anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant and antiseptic action, and are used in the form of vaginal irrigations, balneotherapy and inhalation treatments - while the other, sulphurous and with a high content of hydrogen sulphide, sodium, calcium and magnesium, it is used for the respiratory tract, for the skin and rheumatic diseases.
Thermal Baths of San Giacomo, Sarnano, province of Macerata
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Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Set among the Sibillini Mountains, in the province of Macerata, Sarnano is a fascinating medieval village, immersed in luxuriant nature, surrounded by numerous mineral water springs, and popular for the ski slopes in winter. Visiting Sarnano and its splendid territory becomes a real dream if you also take advantage of its thermal centre, the Terme di San Giacomo.
Fed by three thermal springs, the waters of the Terme di San Giacomo are mainly used for inhalation treatments, but, in addition to many other types of medical treatments, the spas are equipped with a thermal pool for relaxing and therapeutic baths, Finnish sauna and Turkish bath. Massages and treatments for the face and body are also offered.
The Terme di San Giacomo are one of the best equipped and best organized establishments in the Marche region as regards healing techniques. Furthermore, the vast thermal park is equipped with playgrounds and areas equipped with apparatus specifically designed for children, and fitness trails for physical activity.
History
The spring was discovered in 1923 during construction work on a bridge over the Rio Terro; the workers quenched their thirst with the water that flowed from two small caves nearby and began to talk about the beneficial effects they had experienced since they had started work on the bridge. Enrico Ricciardi, a well-known citizen of Sarnano, examined these effects, declaring them better than those of the waters of nearby Acquasanta. The Ministry of Health recognized the curative efficacy of the waters of Sarnano in 1930. The thermal activity began in 1932 with two simple waterspouts, installed in an open space near the place where the source was discovered. Other springs in the surrounding area were certified thermal in the following years; the water of the Terro and that of the Tre Santi thus feed, together with the spring of San Giacomo, the thermal establishment.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The bicarbonate-calcium water of San Giacomo, low in sodium, rich in magnesium, potassium and other minerals, is suitable to drink slowly for mineral water treatments and diluted in powdered milk for weaning. Its effects are draining, diuretic, laxative, and stimulate the metabolism of uric acid and the intestinal and hepatic systems. In fact, it prevents the formation of kidney stones, and is bottled as table water which promotes digestion and helps to overcome situations of constipation especially related to stress. The Tre Santi water, an oligomineral low in sodium but rich in magnesium, calcium and bicarbonate, is ideal for promoting digestion and diuresis as well as containing properties that counteract pathologies such as gout and hyperuricemia. Used for balneotherapy, at a temperature of around 34° – 36°, it has many curative properties; it stimulates circulation, promotes metabolic drainage, which has an antispasmodic and myorelaxant action.
It is also used in aesthetic medicine interventions against cellulite. The sulphurous water of Terro, rich in hydrogen sulfide, is used in inhalation treatments, such as balneotherapy and for gynecological treatments. This water is bactericidal, immunostimulant, decongestant, anti-seborrheic and anti-inflammatory. It also stimulates blood microcirculation. Since its main active ingredient is hydrogen sulfide, Terro water must be used at the source in order for it to be effective.
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Courtesy of Terme di Sarnano
Thermal Baths of Acquasanta, province of Ascoli Piceno
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The ancient village of Acquasanta Terme, located along the Roman Via Salaria in the upper valley of the Tronto river between the Sibillini Mountains and the Laga Mountains, hosts the homonymous spas. Summer is the best season to visit them, due to the pleasant ventilation that affects the height of Acquasanta (400 meters above sea level), immersed in immaculate nature in which to let your gaze wander while enjoying relaxation in the spa. The hot springs are numerous and flow at different temperatures (from a temperature of 22° to 38°), and the most renowned are those called Santa Maria and Pozzetto. Acquasanta Terme has small thermal pools with free and open access, which few know about - therefore you can also enjoy pleasant privacy, thanks to a short excursion to the sulphureous water source of the upper Tronto river. Furthermore, Acquasanta is located not far from the splendid Castelluccio di Norcia: a plus for spending a day or a weekend surrounded by the beauty of nature and history. The thermal establishment is made up of the "Italia e Spa" hotel, which includes a wellness center with sauna, Turkish bath, chromatic jet showers, mini-pool with hydromassage, relaxation room with herbal teas, beauty treatments, veranda overlooking the river, solarium and outdoor thermal pool.
History
Lucio Munazio Planco, Roman consul, healed in 50 BC thanks to the waters of the Acquasanta springs. Vicus ad aquas, as these baths were called at the time, was one of the most important baths of the Roman Empire: in fact, the soldiers, returning from battles, went here to regain strength thanks to the local springs. It seems that even Charlemagne knew the virtues of these waters and went there for a refreshing bath. In 1286, the municipality of Ascoli Piceno bought the Acquasanta springs and remained its owner for several centuries. After the succession of various owners, the spa area was reborn in the eighteenth century thanks to Massetti, and in 1780 the project called "Nuova fabrica delle Bagnarole" by the famous architect Lazzaro Giosafatti was carried out. In the early 1800s, archaeological excavations brought to light what remains of a Roman cistern, a swimming pool with mosaics in the dressing room, and the remains of stoves. According to historians, the Romans used the thermal waters to feed the structures that were probably located near the current church of Santa Maria.
Water specialties and spa treatments
The thermal plants, which use various springs that flow at a constant temperature of 38.6 degrees, are located at the bottom of a series of caves located about thirty meters above the bed of the Tronto river. The establishment is famous for the exceptional quality of respiratory care, and above all offers curative spa treatments, such as mud baths, baths and whirlpool baths, through which respiratory, otolaryngological and rheumatic diseases are treated, as well as rhinogenous deafness .
The curative treatments take place through:
• nebulization with a mist saturated with sulphureous vapor.
• inhalations of thermal vapors (steam and thermal water at a temperature of 38°);
• aerosol with mask or nosepiece.
• endotympanic insufflations.
• nasal or micronized douches.
• politzer and assisted pulmonary ventilation
• mud therapy (a warm paste made from sulphureous water is applied to the body and combined with a massage or hydromassage).
Lu Vurghe, Open Air Thermal Spring, Acquasanta Terme, province of Ascoli Piceno
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Lu Vurghe is a natural thermal spring, a real open-air spa. In 2019 a group of volunteers redeveloped the area and created three comfortable thermal pools, with free and open access: these small artificial pools are fed by the sulphurous waters that flow at a constant temperature of 28 degrees throughout the year. Their range is also constant, so that you can dive in any season. These thermal waters do not contain mud, because they are filtered naturally during their slow journey, thirty years long, through the limestone rocks, which they cross and then gush out on the surface. The waters of Lu Vurghe are very special: they have a pH lower than 8, they are highly drinkable, and contain calcium, sodium, carbon dioxide, bromides, chlorides, bicarbonates and iodides.
How to reach Lu Vurghe
Lu Vurghe is located near Acquasanta Terme, near the ancient Via Salaria, in the small hamlet of Santa Maria di Maggese, hidden in an age-old wood. Before going down the path, as there are often some street vendors in the area, you can buy excellent sandwiches with local salami or porchetta: it is ideal for stopping for lunch while remaining immersed in the pools of Lu Vurghe. The ancient path winds along the mountain, surrounded by vegetation, downhill: the difference in altitude is 61 meters - for this reason the place is not accessible with pushchairs or prams. Wooden handrails, steps and ropes allow you to walk the steepest points. During the 15 minutes of descent, the stream, the beach and the rocks can be glimpsed among the shrubs. The volunteers who oversaw the redevelopment of Lu Vurghe have installed an information sign, which describes the points of interest of the place, such as the birdwatching station and the rock climbing wall.
The artificial pools have been created with stones and wooden panels; they are of different heights and dimensions, and equipped with small waterfalls that allow a sort of natural whirlpool.
You can also make "do-it-yourself" mud packs: just rub the stones together around the tanks, which are covered with them... et voilà!