Rivanazzano Terme
RIVANAZZANO TERME IS IN THE PROVINCE OF PAVIA. The River Staffora runs through the town and onwards towards the River Po. This region is Oltrepò Pavese, meaning the land beyond the River Po. Driving towards Rivanazzano, I passed between fields of vineyards and mulberries with hills in the distance. I walked into the town to Piazza Cornaggia, where there was a busy market, the town hall, Torre Pentagonale, and a park. In the distance Castello Nazzano sits on a hillside overlooking the town. I passed Panetteria Betty with her bread display outside including the local bread, Micca, which has an unusual bumpy shape.
Rivanazzano became a town in around the 1st century BC under the under of the Romans. Thermal waters rich in iodine were bottled and sold as medicinal water in 1849. By 1873 more thermal springs were found and a train line built in 1891 enabled visitors to reach Rivanazzano’s spa. In 2009 Rivanazzano’s name changed to include Terme, underlining the importance of the water sources and their impact on the town. Today a modern thermal health and wellness centre has been developed with accommodation for guests.
WHAT’S ON OFFER
Treatments are based on the Terme’s philosophy ‘Born from water, sustained by passion’. Both sulphurous water and sea water are used for mud therapy and massages and aquafitness. There is a swimming pool, vascular pool, sauna and Turkish bath as part of the wellness centre. I enjoyed swimming in the heated pool with coloured lights and also spending time in the sauna. In the double pool I walked through the 37 degrees C water on one side and 27 degrees C in the other, which stimulates circulation of the legs.
VISITING
The spa costs £35 for 3 hours, a massage is £35, Turkish bath and sauna are £21.
ACCOMMODATION
Apartments cost from £73 a night. www.termedirivanazzano.it