The province of Viterbo, in the heart of Tuscia, is an area rich in thermal spas, wellness oases that promise relaxation to all visitors who choose these spots for a wellness break. But which are the most beautiful thermal spas to be found in Tuscia? Here are a few suggestions for spending one or more rejuvenating days in one of the most enchanting areas of Italy.

The historic Terme dei Papi

The Terme dei Papi are perhaps the most famous in all of Tuscia, known internationally. The springs have been known since the Middle Ages, but it was only in 1450 that they took on the name “Dei Papi” (“of the Popes”) thanks to Pope Nicholas V, who, recognizing the beneficial power of the waters, had an imposing palace built here in which to reside for long periods throughout the year. Today, Terme dei Papi offers visitors a pool of nearly 2,000 sq m, one of the largest in the world, around which a wellness center has been built offering every type of natural treatment. The spa is open every day of the year, all week except Tuesdays, from 9am to 7pm. An entry ticket must be purchased, costing 12 euros, rising to 18 euros on public holidays. The spa can be reached from Rome thanks to a shuttle service departing from Tiburtina station.

The lush green Terme di Salus

For those who wish to combine the typical wellness of thermal spas with a more romantic touch, Terme di Salus is the ideal choice. This is a private wellness center, part of the hotel complex of the same name. What sets this thermal complex apart is the large green area surrounding the pools. There are several, both indoor and outdoor, of varying sizes. The center also includes a sauna, a gym, and a staff of expert massage therapists and beauticians able to offer every kind of treatment. Being a private center, entry rates are certainly not cheap. Prices start at 35 euros per person for a weekday day pass, rising to 45 euros on weekends, with special rates during long weekends and public holidays. Full packages are also available, including hotel stays and dinners.

The public thermal springs of Viterbo

One of the things that makes the thermal springs of Tuscia truly special and different from all others is the fact that there are countless small natural pools scattered across the open countryside. These pools form thanks to the water basin that is part of the Cimini Mountains, which contribute to the spontaneous creation of these small natural pools that, being of volcanic origin, have therapeutic properties. These are free-access pools that can be used at no cost or by paying a small contribution to the associations that manage and care for them. The most famous are Bullicame, Bagnaccio, Piscine Carletti, Piscirello, and Le Masse di San Sisto, but there are many others just waiting to be discovered. Obviously, in most cases these are public areas with few or no facilities, making them better suited to those without high expectations for comfort. However, they are the right choice for anyone who wants to spend a relaxing day without spending a fortune.

The Bullicame area

These free thermal springs are mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy. In Canto XIV of the Inferno, the great poet mentions this thermal area and compares its sulfurous vapors to the heat and oppression that can be felt in the realm of the damned. In reality, these are thermal waters whose therapeutic power is universally recognized, perhaps somewhat neglected precisely because they are free, but still very effective for those who want to benefit from them. Bullicame is made up of two pools, one of hot water reaching 58 degrees and the other with cooler water: moving between the two pools is particularly recommended for those wanting to boost blood circulation. The mud found in the small volcanic lake is perfect for a skin beauty treatment. Bullicame is completely free, but the pools are fenced and managed by a non-profit association, so they are open from dawn until 5pm in winter and 6pm in summer.

The five pools of Bagnaccio

The Bagnaccio spring forms five different pools, some hyperthermal, reaching temperatures of up to 65 degrees, and others hypothermal, ranging from 23 to 29 degrees. Here too these are free-access pools, but since 2013 the municipality has entrusted their management to a cultural association that takes care of them, keeping the pools and surrounding areas clean. For this reason, there is no actual entry fee, though access to the springs is guaranteed only to members of the non-profit organization. Alternatively, membership can be obtained with a small contribution of 5 euros. This grants access to all available facilities, such as changing rooms, chemical toilets, parking, a picnic area, and vending machines for water and coffee. The Bagnaccio springs are open all year round from 7am to midnight. These springs are perfect for anyone who dreams of soaking in a warm pool by moonlight.

Le Pozze, or Piscine Carletti

This spring is technically called Piscine Carletti, but everyone knows it as Le Pozze (“The Pools”), the affectionate name given by residents of the surrounding towns. Indeed, it really does look like “pools” set in open countryside, free of charge and with no facilities available. There is, however, a very large free parking area right next to the pools. The site features one larger pool with water reaching 58 degrees. Next to it are 12 smaller pools fed with lukewarm and cold water. For this reason, Piscine Carletti is particularly well suited to those who want to recreate the classic “Roman baths” effect by moving from the hotter pools to the colder ones, following the “frigidarium-tepidarium-calidarium” route, a real boost for stimulating peripheral circulation. However, it is not suited to those looking for comfort and relaxation on top of the benefits of the sulfurous waters, as this is a very basic, no-frills thermal area.

The Pisciarello spring and the Fonte Acqua Rossa

The Pisciarello spring takes its name from the properties of its waters. As can be inferred from the name it has been given, the water flowing from this spring has well-known diuretic properties. In fact, it is not really a thermal pool so much as a 15-degree spring that emerges in various spots, the most famous being the central square of the hamlet of Bagnaia, near Villa Lante. However, there are several points along the spring’s course where the water flows out and forms small pools that can be enjoyed for a moment of wellness and relaxation. Finally, no shortage of locals and tourists love filling bottles and jugs with this water, which has many genuine health benefits. Similar in character is also the Fonte Acqua Rossa, a thermal pool rich in carbonic acid located a short distance away, reaching a temperature of 23 degrees.

The simplicity of Le Masse di San Sisto

Le Masse di San Sisto is a very simple and rather bare-bones thermal area, but its waters are particularly appreciated by regular visitors for their ability to boost peripheral circulation. There are two pools in this thermal area: the first has very hot water, while the second reaches a milder temperature, around 18 degrees. These are free-access springs, so there are no major facilities beyond a small kiosk selling water, coffee, and snacks. There are also changing rooms, chemical toilets, and a picnic area. There is no entry ticket, but since the area is managed by a non-profit association, access is granted to members and to those willing to take out membership by paying a small contribution of 10 euros on their first visit.

The properties of Tuscia’s thermal waters

Beyond the beauty of these areas, the thermal springs of Tuscia are also very well known for the many properties of their waters. One of the most important is their ability to treat and prevent respiratory tract infections. But the thermal waters of these areas are also good for the reproductive system, the bones, and the skin. It’s not only the waters that are beneficial, though, but also the vapors they generate, which are used for inhalation therapy. Finally, the mud from the thermal pools is excellent for treating the skin, as well as for draining tissues and countering the negative effects of cellulite.