Quick Guide to Acqui Terme, Piedmont

Published June 6, 2010 at 3:40 p.m.
Sitting in Italy's northern corner, the Piedmont Spa town of Acqui Terme, is only 55 km from Genova. Try the waters, stroll through the old quarter, sample the wines and enjoy fine food.
Once home to the tribes of the Liguri Statielli, the town became famous as the Roman town of Aquae Statiellae. The Romans were enchanted with the remedial qualities of its therapeutic waters. Referred to by Pliny and Tacitus in their texts, the hot sulphur springs and ancient baths helped turn the town into a centre for spa treatments and relaxation. It became part of the Lombard kingdom of northern Italy in the sixth century, was ruled by its bishop from 978 and became an independent commune in 1135. Just under a hundred years later it was annexed to the Marquisate of Montferrat, before being acquired by the Duchy of Savoy...
In 1870, Giovanni Ceruti designed a small temple, known as La Bollente, to emphasise the extraordinary hot thermal spring that gushes out water at 75°c in the centre of the town. Indeed, during the Belle Epoque, Acqui Terme became one of the most prestigious spa centres in Europe. Today this unique town is equally well known for its cool mix of cafés, design shops, boutiques and very good restaurants. 
Local Events:

Every fourth Sunday of the month: "Mercatino degli Sgaièntò", an Antiques Market, held in Corso Bagni.

September "Pro Local Festival", a street festival of local food produce from the surrounding villages and towns.

November: "Acqui & Sapori", a food fair featuring typical regional delights including truffles.

Spotight on Enoteca La Curia Wine Bar and Restaurant:
A visit to the Enoteca La Curia Wine Bar and Restaurant situated in Via Alla Bollente (number 72), close to the Bollente fountain, is something you are unlikely to forget. Whether it is for wine tasting, wine buying, wine drinking or just a great meal, a visit to this establishment is essential. The combination of exposed Monferrato brick ceilings, wine bottles crammed into every available space creates a unique atmosphere where locals jockey for position in the small bar area most evenings. Here you can enjoy local affordable wines together with a buffet offering a fabulous selection of complimentary snacks such as Torta di Verdura, Farinata, Focaccia, cheeses and wonderful salads...Scrumptious fare. The adjacent courtyard leads through to the restaurant which offers local delicacies which are also not to be missed.


Back | Read more at Casa Dolcetto