The impressive Nouveau building of Berzieri Spa, in Salsomaggiore Terme – one of the most famous spas of Italy, will be the venue chosen for the next General Assembly of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association on October 19th. Delegates from member spa towns will attend this two-days meeting, a great opportunity for networking and sharing experiences but also to follow up last news on the development of EHHTA work programme.
Representatives from other Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe; Via Francigena, ATRIUM and The European Route of Ceramics, have been invited to participate in one of the workshops in agenda, focused on communication strategies for Cultural Routes. There will be also time for a study visit through the spa facilities of Berzieri and Tabiano Terme, and also to marvel at the therapeutic landscapes of Emilia Romagna region, part of pilgrim’s route of Vía Francigena.
At the discovery of Berzieri Terme
Salsomaggiore’s most prominent spa, Thermae Berzieri Spa, was named after doctor Lorenzo Berzieri, a practitioner whose studies determined for first time, in mid 19th Century, the therapeutic qualities of Salsomaggiore’s rare saline waters. Actually, “Salso Maiore” already refers to these springs, which were used in ancient times for the extraction of salt.
Berzieri Terme is not only a temple to water and health but an icon for the town of Salsomaggiore, an unique example of Liberty art-nouveau-style. Built in 1923, the thermal palace was decorated by the ceramist Galileo Chini who, inspired by his travels to in the Fars East, fill it with symbolism attained from oriental and occidental philosophies.
The sumptuous atmosphere of Thermae Berzieri prevails in the whole town, La Cittá Bellísima, with streets and piazzas which are a masterpiece of singular spa architecture. Viale Romagnosi is Salsomaggiore’s main street, a Dolce Vita scenario where young Italians beauties used to parade waiting to catch the attention of Cineccitá producers.
Salsomaggiore is a founder member of the EHTTA, a living example of European Thermal Heritage that our delegates will have the opportunity to discover during our next General Assembly.