Detail
The thermal baths of Sciacca: between history and legend.
09 September 2022 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Travel Tips, Nature tourism Tags:
Sicily is not just a place, it is an experience made up of countless colors, scents, rich in history, invasions, domination and legends. A region rich in monuments, archaeological sites, natural parks and much more. And the reason for this premise is the province of Agrigento, one of the many and wonderful historical destinations of Sicilian tourism. It is here that the Sciacca thermal baths are born, full of history and legend.
Sciacca also offers an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of the splendid province of Agrigento during your trip to south-western Sicily: from the beaches of Seccagrande and Eraclea Minoa to the natural reserves of the River Platani and Torresalsa, from the spectacular Scala dei Turchi and Punta Bianca to the mythical Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and again Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo, Marsala and Trapani.
And why not rest, after a day full of adventure and discovery, in one of our fantastic villas, with a luxuriant or rural taste, with a private swimming pool in the surprising surrounding area?
The history of the Terme di Sciacca is intrinsically related to the history of the city itself. In fact, legend has it that the discovery of the thermal heritage owes to the mythological Daedalus who, on the run after having built the famous labyrinth, stopped near the caves of Mount Kronio and recognized its curative and therapeutic use.
It was after the First Punic War that the city came under Roman rule and was renamed Aquae Labodes. The Romans, lovers of spas, exploited not only the steam baths created by the thermal waters in the caves but also the sulphurous waters that flowed into the valley. The beneficial effects were so strong that they became superior to those of Rome itself.
With the barbarian invasions, the use of the thermal baths was forgotten and resumed only later with the arrival of the Arab domination. In fact it is thought that the name Sciacca may derive from the Arabic word Syacc, which means bath, or ash-Shaqqah which means crack in reference to the cracks of Mount Kronio.
Sciacca also offers an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of the splendid province of Agrigento during your trip to south-western Sicily: from the beaches of Seccagrande and Eraclea Minoa to the natural reserves of the River Platani and Torresalsa, from the spectacular Scala dei Turchi and Punta Bianca to the mythical Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and again Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo, Marsala and Trapani.
And why not rest, after a day full of adventure and discovery, in one of our fantastic villas, with a luxuriant or rural taste, with a private swimming pool in the surprising surrounding area?
The history of the Terme di Sciacca is intrinsically related to the history of the city itself. In fact, legend has it that the discovery of the thermal heritage owes to the mythological Daedalus who, on the run after having built the famous labyrinth, stopped near the caves of Mount Kronio and recognized its curative and therapeutic use.
It was after the First Punic War that the city came under Roman rule and was renamed Aquae Labodes. The Romans, lovers of spas, exploited not only the steam baths created by the thermal waters in the caves but also the sulphurous waters that flowed into the valley. The beneficial effects were so strong that they became superior to those of Rome itself.
With the barbarian invasions, the use of the thermal baths was forgotten and resumed only later with the arrival of the Arab domination. In fact it is thought that the name Sciacca may derive from the Arabic word Syacc, which means bath, or ash-Shaqqah which means crack in reference to the cracks of Mount Kronio.
Indoor
Overview
The area most steeped in thermal springs is located in the eastern part of Sciacca, in particular in the "Valle dei Bagni", on the slopes of Mount San Calogero. In ancient times there were ten thermal springs: Sulphurous water, Holy water, Ferrata water, Palm water, Molinelli water, Hot Fountain water, Water of the Eyes, Brackish water , the water of Molinari, the water of the Carabollace.
Since 2018, only five sources have been active: Molinelli water, Holy water, Brackish water, Carabollace water and Hot Fountain. The others have disappeared as a result of earthquakes and careless human interventions.
Since 2018, only five sources have been active: Molinelli water, Holy water, Brackish water, Carabollace water and Hot Fountain. The others have disappeared as a result of earthquakes and careless human interventions.
Recommended villas
Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.
Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.
Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.
Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.
Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.
Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.
Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.
La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.
Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.
Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.