Acqui Terme Location Guide

My Acqui Terme…
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 therapeutic qualities of its waters,with the hot sulphur springs and ancient baths helping to 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 highlight the extraordinary hot thermal spring that gushes out water at 75°c in the centre of the town. Indeed, at one time, Acqui Terme was one of the most prestigious spa centres in Europe. Today this unique town of Piedmont 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.

Food and Drink
The local wines of both DOC and DOCG include a remarkable collection of Barbera d'Asti, Barbera del Monferrato, Dolcetto d'Ovada as well as Dolcetto d'Acqui and Acqui Brachetto.

Local food specialities include a mixture of cooking from nearby Liguria and the heartland of Piedmont. Many local recipes are founded on old peasant traditions such as 'Bollito Misto' (mixed boiled meats) and the area is also famous for its amaretti biscuits.

Adrian's Spotlight on the Enoteca La Curia
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 (chickpea flatbread), 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.

How to Get There
Acqui Terme is situated on the left hand-side of the Bormida river in the Piedmont province of Alessandria. The town is approximately 35km SSW of the City of Alessandria.
By Plane: The most convenient airports to Acqui Terme are Genova, Milan and Turin. Genova Cristoforo Colombo is about one hour from Acqui Terme, with the Aeroporto di Torino (Turin) and the Milan airports of Milano-Linate and Milano-Malpensa about two hours away. All are well served by major airlines and budget ones such as Easyjet and Ryanair.
By Bus: From Milan, depart from Milano Famagosta Station (Arfea line) for Acqui Terme (Monday to Friday only). From Turin, depart from Corso Vittorio Emanuele for Acqui Terme (everyday except public holidays).
By Car: From Genova, about 75 km. Take the A26 (Autostrada) as far as Ovada's Castle, then continue on the State Road (SS30) till Acqui Terme (approx. 25 km). From Milan, about 130 km. Take the A7 (Autostrada), direction Genoa, and then the A21 direction Turin. Exit at Alessandria Sud, follow the SS30 for about 20 minutes. From Turin, about 105 km. Take the A21, direction Piacenza, exit at Alessandria Sud, then as above.
By Train: From Milan, depart from Central Station, change at Voghera or Mortara or Tortona stations to Alessandria and change again for Acqui Terme. From Genova, depart from Porta Principe or Brignole Stations for Acqui Terme (direct line). From Turin, depart from Porta Nuova Station, change at Asti or Alessandria stations to Acqui Terme (at certain times there according to the time are direct connections from Turin to Acqui Terme).

Top Ten Things to See and Do
1. Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, in Piazza Duomo
2. On the right hand side of the Piazza Duomo, visit the The Bishop's Palace
3. From the Cathedral walk through a maze of alleyways to the Archeological Musuem and Botanical Gardens
4. See the Church of the Addolorata with its 15th century fresco
5. Test the waters at the Fontana della Bollente at a temperature of 75°c
6. Visit the Bishop's Seminary in Piazza Duomo with its scissors shaped staircase
7. See the Church of St. Francesco with its two fifteenth century cloisters
8. View the remains of the most important Roman Aqueduct in Piedmont, from the Carlo Alberto bridge at the end of Corso Bagni
9. Enjoy a wine tasting at the Enoteca Regionale.
10. Don't miss the surrounding countryside of the Bormida valley for walking and cycling.