© video E…state Feschi TVL edited by Paola Bardelli, Andrea Palumbo, Simone Gai.
© Cover photo by Giorgio Barbato
SUMMERTIME IN PORRETTA TERME
Already known in the Roman age for the benefits of its thermal waters, Porretta has always been a peaceful holiday destination. In addition to its pleasant climate, you can enjoy the unspoiled mountains that make Alto Reno Terme the greenest municipality in Europe. Food, fine meat, pure water, an ancient food and wine tradition of craft beers, chestnut-based products including the precious sweet flour and the notorious Tortino are only a few of the local products of excellence.
The historic center is the oldest part of Porretta, surrounding the river Rio Maggiore. It was once called the County of the Bagni della Porretta. Overlooked by a tower built between World War I and II, Porretta still retains the Liberty features of the Belle Époque, with wonderful corners to be discovered such as via Falcone, the Ponte dei Sospiri, the ancient Terme Alte building. Just outside of town, along the Reno river, you will find the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, whose first records date back to the early 16th Century.
The spas are the heart of Porretta, supplied by thirteen sources of thermal waters each with unique characteristics, temperatures and healing properties, including respiratory care, rhinogenous deafness, silicosis and tinnitus. Thanks to Luigi Galvani, here began the first inhalation treatments, still very effective for the health and well-being of the respiratory system.
Porretta has been the city of music for 33 years, also thanks to Graziano Uliani’s stubbornness – the artistic director of the Porretta Soul Festival, who has made Porretta the European epicenter of Soul Music.
Yet in Porretta – also reachable by train and by special historical trains – visitors mainly come for greenery and natural wellness. Starting point of trekking, mountain bike, e.bike itineraries and also accessible to tandem bikes and hand bikes from 2020, the area is within everyone’s reach.
The walking trails lead you to small charming villages such as Tresana, a well-kept jewel with a fascinating history, or to the enchanting Sanctuary of the Madonna del Faggio, a place of peace, quietness and meditation or even to the majestic Manservisi Castle and Laborantes Museum.
There are many good reasons for visiting Porretta Terme and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines: Let’s discover them together. Enjoy!
