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Terme di Sarnano: how to get there and trails

The Terme di Sarnano are the thermal spa of Sarnano, a medieval village in the province of Macerata at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains. They use three waters from different springs: the low-mineral calcium bicarbonate water of San Giacomo, the sulfurous-saline water of the Terro and the calcium bicarbonate water of the Tre Santi. The treatments offered are inhalations, hydropinotherapy (drinking cures), balneotherapy, mud therapy and gynecological treatments, covered by Italy's National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). In recent years the facility has had closures and partial reopenings: before a visit, it is best to check with the Terme which departments are running, among treatments, pool, spa and residence.

It all began with a spring that the people of Sarnano called the water of "Gnagnà" or of San Giacomo, already mentioned in 16th-century documents. Near the spring, in the 14th century, there was a hospital for pilgrims dedicated to Saint James the Apostle (San Giacomo Apostolo), although popular tradition ended up linking the name to San Giacomo della Marca, the Franciscan preacher. In the 19th century the physician Cenni praised its quality in his Topografia medica di Sarnano. Then the spring was forgotten. In the late 1920s it was rediscovered by chance by workers rebuilding the bridge between Sarnano and Gualdo: drinking from that spring, they experienced its diuretic effect. The physiologist Silvestro Baglioni later confirmed its diuretic, decongestant and laxative properties. On July 9, 1933 the first core of the facility was inaugurated, built by the Municipality with contributions from many citizens. In 1936 Sarnano was granted the title of Stazione di Cura e Soggiorno (health and holiday resort).

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Forecast

  1. Today19° / 15°0.0 mmCloudy
  2. Tomorrow20° / 15°3.2 mmPartly cloudy
  3. Friday17° / 12°16.3 mmShowers

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Where the Terme di Sarnano are located

The Terme di Sarnano are in the town of Sarnano, at an elevation of 539 meters, at the gateway to the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The village sits on a small hill between the Tennacola stream and its main tributary, the Rio Terro. All around are the mountains Castel Manardo, Valvasseto, Monte Sassotetto, Pizzo di Meta, Punta del Ragnolo and Pizzo di Chioggia.

Today's site is not the historic one. The first spa complex was built near the San Giacomo spring, inside a large park, and also had a water bottling plant. After more than 80 years in operation, the 2016 earthquake made it unusable. Within a few months the treatments moved to a new building, which receives the same waters as the historic site through pipelines. The new facility stands on a rise overlooking the historic center of Sarnano and the mountains.

The complex includes a thermal treatment department, a spa and a residence connected to the facility by an elevator. The spa was completely renovated in 2021. The spa and the residence do not always follow the same opening periods as the treatment departments: before setting out, it is wise to check which departments are open.

How to get to the Terme di Sarnano

The Terme di Sarnano are best reached by car. The area is mountainous and public transportation is limited to a few bus lines. The main road is the SS 78 state highway, which links Macerata with the Salaria near Ascoli Piceno: Sarnano lies along this route, between the two provincial capitals.

From Bologna and Milan take the A14 highway south to the Civitanova Marche/Macerata exit. From there follow the expressway for Macerata toward Foligno, exit at Macerata Ovest/Sforzacosta and follow the signs for Sarnano/Ascoli Piceno on the SS 78. From Pescara and Bari the route is the same, driving north on the A14 to the Civitanova Marche exit.

From Rome take the A1 north to Orte, then the expressway for Spoleto and Foligno. At Foligno take the expressway for Macerata/Civitanova Marche to the Caldarola exit, enter the town and follow the signs for Sarnano/Ascoli Piceno. From Florence drive south on the A1 to Valdichiana, then head toward Perugia on the Bettolle-Perugia expressway to Foligno. From there take the SS 77 toward Macerata/Civitanova Marche as far as Caldarola.

By train, the nearest station is Tolentino, on the Civitanova Marche-Fabriano line, about 25 km from Sarnano.

Trails and hikes near the Terme di Sarnano

Many trails start from Sarnano, from easy walks in the woods around the town to real treks. They combine well with a few days of treatments.

The easiest route is the Via delle Cascate Perdute. It is a loop opened in summer 2020 that is reached on foot from the center and takes in three waterfalls along the Tennacola stream: the Antico Mulino waterfall, the Cascata de lu Vagnatò and the Cascatelle dei Romani. It measures 6 km, with 120 meters of elevation gain and a maximum altitude of 522 meters. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and the difficulty is tourist-hiking level. Near the waterfalls there are slippery spots, and before the Antico Mulino waterfall there is a very steep stretch. The route is not suitable for strollers, while dogs are welcome. It can be walked all year.

From the Cascatelle the hike can be extended on the trail to the Pozze dell'Acquasanta and the Cascata del Pellegrino, also in the municipality of Sarnano.

Other routes:

  • Valle del Rio Terro and Soffiano waterfall: 8 km, 2 to 3 hours, hiking difficulty.
  • Eremo di Soffiano (Soffiano Hermitage): a short trail, 1.7 km, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Valle dei Tre Santi, also called dei Tre Salti: a gorge carved by the Tennacola between Giampereto di Sarnano and Pintura di Bolognola. The trail climbs through the woods, enters a narrow gorge and ends below a waterfall. It has about 700 meters of elevation gain and reaches 1,333 meters. To reach the start, follow the signs for Piobbico and Giampereto, go through Giampereto to where the road becomes a mule track and leave the car there.
  • Cammino Francescano della Marca: 170 km from Assisi to Ascoli Piceno, passing through Sarnano. The Sarnano-Comunanza stage measures 22.3 km, without big climbs but with constant ups and downs, and takes 7 to 8 hours of walking.

In the surrounding area there are also hikes to the Piani di Ragnolo and Pizzo di Meta. For high-altitude routes it is necessary to check the weather and have suitable equipment.

When to go to the Terme di Sarnano

Sarnano can be visited in every season, but for the Terme di Sarnano it is wise to check opening dates first. In recent winters the facility has had long closures, and during the rest of the year some departments may also be suspended. Hours and active services should be checked with the Terme before visiting.

The rest of the year has other attractions. Between late spring and summer the historic center hosts the Notte dei Folli in June and the Palio del Serafino in August, with about 500 costumed participants and contests between the districts of Brunforte, Poggio, Abbadia and Castelvecchio. Also in August is the Sarnano-Sassotetto hill climb race. In fall the Sassotetto beech forest turns color with the foliage. In winter, when there is snow, there is skiing on the lifts between Monte Sassotetto, Fonte Lardina and the Santa Maria Maddalena pass, 12 to 15 km from the town, with slopes between 1,300 and 1,680 meters. The slopes face the Adriatic Sea.

What to see near the Terme di Sarnano

The historic center of Sarnano dates back to the 13th century and is built entirely of red brick. It keeps the layout of a walled town, with alleys, stairways and fine views, but in places still bears the marks of the 2016 earthquake.

The highest point is Piazza Alta, the old center of the village, home to the Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo del Popolo with the Vittoria Theater and the Palazzo del Podestà. On the square is also the Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Piazza Alta, from the 13th century, also damaged by the earthquake. The Pinacoteca (art gallery) holds a Madonna and Child by Vittore Crivelli. In town there are also the Church of San Francesco, the Biblioteca Francescana (Franciscan Library) and the Museo dell'Avifauna (bird museum). Check the opening of churches and museums before visiting.

Outside the town is the Abbey of Piobbico, the church of Santa Maria or San Biagio. The monastery was founded in 1030 by Benedictine monks. Today part of the church, with its three-aisled crypt, and a farmhouse remain. In the countryside there is also the Eremo di Soffiano, reached by a short trail.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Terme di Sarnano open now?

It depends on the period and the department. In recent years the Terme di Sarnano have had winter closures and partial reopenings, and the spa and residence have not always followed the timing of the treatment departments. Before setting out, it is best to ask the Terme directly which services are running.

What treatments are offered at the Terme di Sarnano?

The Terme di Sarnano offer inhalations, hydropinotherapy, balneotherapy, mud therapy and gynecological treatments, covered by the National Health Service. Three waters are used: San Giacomo, for drinking cures and urinary, digestive and metabolic disorders; the sulfurous-saline Terro, for inhalations; and the Tre Santi, for balneotherapy.

Can you get to Sarnano without a car?

Yes, but it is less convenient. The nearest train station is Tolentino, on the Civitanova Marche-Fabriano line, about 25 km from Sarnano. From there public transportation is limited to a few bus lines. The area is mountainous, so a car remains the most practical way to move between the spa, the village and the trails.

Is there an easy walk from Sarnano?

Yes, the Via delle Cascate Perdute. It is a 6 km loop that starts on foot from the center of Sarnano and takes in three waterfalls on the Tennacola stream. It has 120 meters of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and can be walked all year. Near the waterfalls there are slippery spots and the route is not suitable for strollers.

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