Wellbeing: Natural Spas
Torre di Palme (province of Fermo)
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to Torre di Palme - 17.7 km - 11 mi (24 min)
This lovely little town, dating back to the 11th century has a wealth of interesting historical and artistic features. It is also set on a hill overlooking a glorious landscape and out over the Adriatic.
The thermal spa is about 2 km from the town, and was used by the Romans but rediscovered in the 1930s.
There are still some surviving Roman structures that were revealed during reconstruction in the 50s. It has, over the last ten years, developed into a thriving centre for hydroponic treatment, particularly of urinary problems.
The town of Sarnano is, in itself, a lovely 13th century town on the top of a hill on the north eastern side of the Sibillini hills. There is a more recent part of the town lower down the hill, and the thermal spa is situated here. The surrounding area is full of lovely walks and historical sightseeing opportunities.
The spa itself is modern and fully equipped and all the staff are qualified in therapeutic procedures. The waters here are curative for many medical conditions, but also for prevention, recuperation and relaxation.
Tolentino (province of Macerata)
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to Tolentino - 75.7 km - 47.0 mi (56 min)
The Santa Lucia thermal complex at Tolentino is also famous for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties, but this spa is particularly popular for women’s problems.
It is set in dense ancient woodlands on top of a hill 450m above sea level, about 3 km from Tolentino. There is a park surrounding it with play areas for children.
Acquasanta (province of Ascoli Piceno)
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to Acquasanta 81.5 km - 50.6 mi (1h 2 min)
Montefiore dell’Aso is very proud to claim that life expectancy in the area is the highest in Europe! The reason for this is as yet unknown, but the clean fresh air, the slow relaxed life style, excellent food and, possibly, the spiritual outlook of the people must all contribute. Another element is the wealth of natural thermal spas in the area, well-known for their health-giving qualities.
If you feel the need to de-stress and indulge yourself in a truly sensual and relaxing experience, there is nowhere better Acquasanta, and it is only a short drive from Montefiore.
This spa has been used for its medicinal properties since Roman times and is mentioned by Tito Livio as having a warm pool large enough to accommodate 200 people!
The spa was rediscovered in the 19th century and was popular with sufferers from arthritis, bronchial disorders and dermatological problems. It is also said to be beneficial for the liver. In fact, local people believe it is curative for practically every complaint under the sun! The spa is a little outside the village in national parkland, and as well as the natural warm pools, has a large, covered pool and therapy rooms. There are also many beautiful, peaceful walks or cycle rides in the surrounding park, so you can combine your mud therapy and relaxing soak with some healthy exercise!
Genga -Terme San Vittore (Thermal Spa)
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to Terme San Vittore 130 km - 80.7 mi (1h 28 min)
Close to the Frasassi caves and the Romanesque monastery of San Vittore, with a magnificent backdrop of the Sentino river valley and wooded mountainsides, you will find the Thermal Spa of San Vittore.
The present buildings date back to 1922 when the current spa was established, and it was developed and enlarged in 1965. However, archaeological evidence indicates that the area was inhabited in prehistoric times, and that the Romans also exploited the natural benefits of the hot spring water here. In 2001 the spa was modernised, introducing new high-tech therapies, and the organisation continues to keep up to date with new methods and approaches.
The water is rich in minerals including Sulphur, (which gives it an interesting smell!) But the health-giving qualities of natural sulphur cannot be understated. Inhalation of the vapour can help bronchial and nasal problems, while immersion in the warm water and application of warm mud helps with arthritis and other bone problems. Massage and other specific therapies are available in the modern consulting rooms, including treatments specifically for children. Many also come here for beauty and relaxation therapies.
The Spa lies on the SS76 road between Jesi and Fabriano, and is provided with a railway station on the line between Ancona and Rome.
Camerano, Torre dell’Aspio
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to Camerano, Torre dell'Aspio 130 km - 80.7 mi (1h 28 min)
Nestled among cypress and lime groves, and bamboo thickets in the Conero national park between Camerano and Offagna, you will find an ancient thermal spa near the village of Aspio. The spa water comes from the combination of four warm, mineral-rich springs, which were said by the Roman Christians to have sprung up from the ground to provide water for the Madonna on her journey to Loreto, the Holy pilgrimage site.
The thermal spa was completely renovated in 1997, and now consists of a complex of buildings offering a wide range of spa treatments, as well as a garden, a play area for children, and a bar.
The treatments are all based on the mineral rich water naturally occurring here, which is particularly high in sodium chloride.
The treatments on offer consist of inhalation of vapour, effective for nasal, pulmonary and trachea maladies, and hydroponic treatments which involves drinking small quantities of the water daily for a period of time. This is efficacious for problems with digestion and with the reproductive process.
There are also alternative treatments available such as acupuncture and homeopathy, and also beauty treatments. The waters are also considered to be helpful for psychological problems such as body image, depression and stress, amongst others.