Acquasanta Terme: Thermal Heritage, Travertine and Nature

Acquasanta Terme is a destination for travellers who do not want to consider history separately from the landscape and thermal heritage. Here, medieval village surroundings, Roman history, travertine and waterfalls offer different themes for planning your day. Which of these you want to prioritise can be determined by the specific places and routes in the area.

Historical layers around Paggese

The Fortezza di Castel di Luco was built in the 14th century with an elliptical ground plan beside the medieval village of Paggese. On the Tabula Peutingeriana, a map of the Roman military roads, Roman Acquasanta is called “Vicus ad Aquas”. During the Roman Empire, Acquasanta became a mansio, a rest station for troops. There, legionaries recovered their strength and alleviated their ailments.

The Ponte Vecchio was built in the 16th century by the Maestri Comacini and is regarded as a distinctive interplay between civil architecture and the natural surroundings. Beside the bridge stands a 17th-century watermill. The different construction periods of these two neighbouring structures show how the historical narrative of the place extends across several eras.

Thermal springs and travertine

The Terme di Acquasanta are located on the SS4 Salaria, about 18 kilometres from Ascoli Piceno. Their wellness centre was built using stone from a local quarry. The Sentiero delle Sorgenti Termali connects the two most frequently visited sulphur springs in Acquasanta Terme: the “Sotto Acquasanta – Pacca della Vecchia” spring and the Sorgente di Santa Maria – Lu Vurghe. The approximate distance of 18 kilometres can serve as a general indication of the area’s scale when planning your day.

Travertine can also be encountered along the town’s artistic routes. The Trame di Travertino route gives visitors the opportunity to experience and interact with a total of 12 travertine installations; it runs mainly between Paggese and Castel di Luco. The route is certified by Officina dei sensi and designed for accessibility and safety as part of a sensory experience. The Anello di Valledacqua is a publicly accessible circular route of historical and natural significance, featuring outdoor travertine installations. On the Anello, the travertine installations are therefore located in an open landscape and not indoors.

Water landscape at the Cascate di Forcella

The Cascate di Forcella are located in a green valley in the border area between the municipalities of Roccafluvione and Acquasanta Terme and are a natural attraction of the Terre del Piceno. They form two rapids; the first plunges 15 metres and creates a natural pool. After travelling via Ponte d’Arli and Tallacano, a short path opposite the church of San Giovanni leads to the Cascate di Forcella, so finding your way can be divided into the approach journey and a short walk.

Further destinations for your planning

Further destinations for your planning: Piana Di Forcella, Amandola, Pedaso, Carassai, Balzo, Grottammare, Colli Del Tronto, Offida.

To the main travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.