Walking along the Via Salaria from Ascoli Piceno to Rome, cleaving a green territory made of mountains and rolling hills, you will come across the charming town of Acquasanta Terme. Populated by just over three thousand inhabitants, the city is in the province of Ascoli Piceno and is less than 20 km from the capital, surrounded by a constellation of hamlets with a calm and welcoming appearance.

Nestled between the Monti della Laga, to the south, and the Sibillini to the north, Acquasanta Terme occupies the upper valley of the Tronto river and is surrounded by thick woods of chestnut, fir, beech and oak. A generous territory that, as the name of the town reveals, gives precious springs of thermal waters, whose past history goes hand in hand with that of the country. What in prehistoric times was a rudimentary sheep track became in the Augustan age the consular way, and Acquasanta was the best place to stop: the territory rich in caves and the hot vapors of the thermal waters made it known already in that period.

Disputed over the centuries by numerous populations, from the Lombards to the Franks, influenced for a period by the Benedictine monks of Farfa and then dominated by the bishops-counts of Ascoli, Acquasanta had a rather troubled history, but was able to establish itself increasingly as an important city of well-being. The healing properties of the local sulphurous waters have been known since ancient times, but the construction of the modern spa complex dates back to 1780, when Lazzaro Giosaffatti started work. The waters, sulphurous and salsobromoiodic, flow naturally at a temperature of 38.6 C and are used in the comfortable spa complex for different treatments: in addition to the treatment of inflammations of the locomotor system, anthreotherapy treatments, to prevent respiratory disorders, and dermatological care. Mud therapy, relaxing sessions and beauty treatments complete the attractive offer of Acquasanta Terme.

But visiting Acquasanta does not just mean relaxing and being pampered by wellness specialists: there are other interesting proposals of a cultural nature. Not far from the town there is a historical monument of great importance and charm, which is worth seeing: it is the fortress of Castel di Luco, built in the fourteenth century. The original building, elliptical, stands strutting on the Via Salaria, next to the medieval village of Paggese. Erected on the edge of a rocky spur, the fortress is still massive and almost impregnable, with its closed walls and defense towers.

In any case it is not worth walking around the country and just observe: the most beautiful experience is to live the city first hand, with its uses and its serene everyday life, made of simple and genuine things. The local traditions are characteristic and much loved, well represented by the folkloric events that are distributed throughout the year. The most awaited event is the Autumn Festival, held on the third Sunday of October and consists of a colorful exhibition-market of forest products: chestnuts and chestnuts are the undisputed protagonists, but the gastronomic delicacies are accompanied by photographic exhibitions and themed shows. Do not miss, on August 10, the Feast of San Lorenzo, with the historical re-enactment in costume and the medieval dinner in the square of Paggese. Nearby are not to be missed the Focarola Festival, a typical baked focaccia, in Ponte d'Arli, and the Porcino Mushroom Festival in the capital, while among the religious festivals stands out the Water Festival on June 24.

Finally, it should be noted that every year, on the feast of Sant'Emidio, the patron saint of Ascoli Piceno, a delegation of Acquasanta participates, with its participants, in the historical representation of the Quintana of Ascoli. To stimulate all this liveliness and desire to celebrate also contributes the climate, sub-Apennine type thanks to the nearby mountain ranges. The winters, humid and rather rigid, are made suggestive by the snowfalls, and are maintained on an average temperature ranging from 0 to 2 ºC; the summers are warm, sunny and with rather low rainfall, with an average temperature of about 24-25 ºC.

Who has decided to visit Acquasanta Terme can evaluate different travel solutions. Who moves by car must take the A14, from the north towards Ancona and from the south towards Naples, follow the direction San Benedetto del Tronto-Ascoli Piceno then take the RA11, exit towards Rome, continue on the SS4 and follow the signs to the goal. For those coming from Ascoli, just take the SP 235, continue on the SS4 and follow the signs to the goal. Those who choose the train will have to get off at Ascoli Piceno and continue with the buses of the Start lines for the last 20 km, while the nearest airports are those of Ancona and Pescara, 150 km and 100 km respectively