Termini Imerese: Ancient Traces and Thermal Springs

Termini Imerese combines Roman remains, sacred art, vibrant Sicilian traditions and a well-established thermal culture. The town lies at the foot of Monte San Calogero, which slopes gently down toward the sea.

Thermal Springs and Landscape

The thermal springs of Termini Imerese are of volcanic origin and hyperthermal, meaning particularly warm. They emerge at a temperature of nearly 43°C. The present-day thermal facility was built in the 17th century on the ruins of an earlier facility.

Travel by Train and Road

Termini Imerese railway station is located on the Palermo–Messina railway line; several regional and Intercity trains stop there every day. Termini Imerese is also located on the Strada Statale 113. For travel planning, both the Palermo–Messina railway line and the SS 113 can be used as specific local references.

Discover Roman Remains

The remains of the Roman amphitheatre of Termini Imerese are visible between the Villa Palmeri city park and Via Garibaldi. The two-storey arcades of the Roman Cornelio aqueduct in Contrada Figurella have also been preserved. The amphitheatre and aqueduct are two separate Roman structures. The aqueduct was built in the 2nd century AD and extended for approximately eight kilometres.

At the headquarters of the Himera Archaeological Park, visitors can receive AR smart glasses and use them to move safely around the Temple of Victory while viewing reconstructions of the temple. A mobile app supports visits to the Pirro-Marconi Museum in the Himera Archaeological Park.

Churches, Art and Jewish History

The Church of Maria SS. Annunziata was rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century on the remains of an earlier medieval building. Maria SS. Annunziata is also home to a marble group depicting the Holy Family, considered the first Sicilian nativity artwork. In the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari, sacred vestments, furnishings and liturgical objects from the 15th to the 20th century are kept in the sacristy’s eight designated rooms.

Traces of the historic Jewish community of Termini Imerese have been preserved in Piano Barlaci. Around 400 Jews lived there in the 15th century; synagogues and commercial establishments were located there.

Carnevale Termitano and Sicilian Craftsmanship

Carnevale Termitano includes allegorical papier-mâché floats. The papier-mâché floats complement the historic masks with another visible form of Carnevale Termitano. The historic masks “U Nannu ca Nanna” date from the late 19th century and are preserved by the community of Termini.

Another cultural stop is the workshop of Sperandeo Bottega del Carretto Siciliano. It was reopened to the public thanks to the grandchildren, so that the culture and art of Don Totò’s Sicilian cart would not be forgotten.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to expand your travel plans beyond Termini Imerese, you can also include Misilmeri, Partinico, Pollina, Corleone, Pioppo, Castronovo Di Sicilia, Gratteri and Giardinello in your selection.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Palermo.