The Path to the Thermal Springs – The Two Sources
The Thermal Springs Trail
The symbolic path of Acquasanta Terme’s thermal renaissance
The Thermal Springs Trail connects the two most frequented sulfurous springs of Acquasanta Terme: the “Sotto Acquasanta – Pacca della Vecchia” Spring and the Santa Maria Spring – Lu Vurghe. Rediscovered and restored just two years ago, the path reconnects the historic thermal areas through a panoramic walk that crosses the Tronto, climbs up to Valla Saggia and recovers the ancient river path. It is now the symbolic trail of the territory’s revival, combining memory, nature and the rebirth of thermal identity.
The Thermal Springs Trail represents one of the most significant projects for enhancing the thermal identity of Acquasanta Terme. The route was created to unite, both physically and symbolically, the two most renowned springs in the area:
Sotto Acquasanta Spring – Pacca della Vecchia, adjacent to the thermal pool with sweat cave (under reconstruction)
Santa Maria Spring – Lu Vurghe, heart of the ancient thermal village
The trail starts from the thermal pools area, crosses the Tronto river and climbs towards Valla Saggia, where you join the ancient river path. You cross the stream again to reach Lu Vurghe, a historic site where sulfurous waters have been flowing warm for millennia and where the community has kept alive the tradition of free bathing.
From here, the path climbs up to the village of Santa Maria, where the church still preserves signs and testimonies of the area’s ancient first thermal settlement. Continuing on, you return to the center of Acquasanta Terme to reach the thermal pool via the passetto, which is being reopened.
It is an itinerary that tells a story of hope and rebirth: it connects the past and future of the thermal springs, networks the springs, communities and villages, and offers visitors an authentic experience combining nature, history and wellness.
Technical Details
Category: Nature and thermal springs itinerary
Length: approx. 3 km
Difficulty: E – Easy hiking
Average duration: 1h – 1h15′
Terrain: mixed surface (river, mule tracks, reconstructed sections)
Key points: Thermal pool – Valla Saggia – River path – Lu Vurghe – Santa Maria Church
Video Created By Lorenzo Tarquini
Photos by Stefano Albanesi