Acqui Terme between thermal springs and Roman history

Acqui Terme combines the La Bollente spring, Roman history and local culture with a nature trail along the Bormida. If you are looking for a place for your trip to Italy with different, clearly identifiable themes, the range here extends from the La Bollente spring and ancient thermal baths to museums, Jewish history, cycle paths and regional confectionery specialties.

La Bollente and the history of thermal baths

La Bollente is an octagonal thermal spring temple inaugurated in 1879. The spring water contains sulfur, salt, bromine and iodine and emerges at 74.5°C. The La Bollente spring has been known and used since Roman times. This means that the thermal theme in Acqui Terme has both a long historical dimension and a precise natural characteristic.

Archaeology and Roman traces

The archaeological museum of Acqui Terme presents six rooms in three sections: the prehistoric and protohistoric periods, the Roman era, and Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Guided tours and educational workshops focus on ancient and medieval history, archaeology and the local cultural heritage. For those interested in culture, prehistoric, protohistoric, Roman, Late Antique and medieval themes are brought together here in one museum.

At the Roman Theater on Via Scatilazzi, the complex makes use of the natural slope. Rows of seats are cut into the rock, while preserved stairways provide access to the terraces. The rectangular Roman Pool, measuring 13 × 6.5 meters, is located on Corso Bagni. The remains of this Roman Pool, identified near present-day Corso Bagni, were part of a large thermal complex dating from the time of the Roman Empire. The Roman traces display different architectural forms: the theater uses the natural slope, while the pool on Corso Bagni was laid out in a rectangular shape.

History, trails and local specialties

The Jewish community is also part of Acqui Terme's historical character: it has existed continuously since the late 15th century. Alongside the Roman complexes, it represents another chapter in the town's history. The “Terme e Natura” nature trail offers a different way to explore the surrounding area. It runs for two kilometers, or four kilometers there and back, along the right bank of the Bormida River and consists mainly of a dual-use track for pedestrians and cyclists. When planning the route, the one-way distance must be distinguished from the total round-trip distance: anyone returning to the starting point should plan for four rather than two kilometers along the Bormida. The published cycling routes in Acqui Terme have no dedicated signage; for your planning, this local orientation is therefore an important factor when choosing a cycling route.

The town's culinary character includes Amaretti, Baci di dama, Brut e bon and Acquesi al Rhum.

Further places for planning your trip

Other destinations include Borgoratto Alessandrino, Cassano Spinola, Cassine, Fubine, Ciglione, Trisobbio, Borgo San Martino and Poggio Maggiore.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alessandria.