Overview

Cervarezza Terme: the tourist centre on the slopes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

At the foot of Mount Ventasso, in the Secchia River valley, lies the town of Cervarezza Terme, a popular tourist destination in the Reggio Emilia Apennines.

Immersed in the heart of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park, it is the perfect place for an idyllic weekend of relaxation at the spa centre and exploring trekking routes on foot or by bicycle.

Santa Lucia thermal baths: hydrotherapy cures

The history of the mountain village of Cervarezza dates back to 1106.
What makes the site so special is the sulphurous water spring, which gushes out at an altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park and is home to the Santa Lucia thermal baths.

While it is a small establishment, it enjoys an enviable location amid woods and meadows. It is ideal for anyone in search of relaxation and people who want to keep fit in a stunning natural environment.

The thermal spa is located within the Gigante Natural Park and includes both the area dedicated to curative treatments and the newly built wellness centre. Its undisputed star is the mineral water, classified as bicarbonate alkaline salt water and sulphur water, with significant diuretic properties. Known for its effectiveness in the treatment of respiratory diseases, allergies and rhinitis, the Cervarezza spa is a specialised centre that combines inhalation practices with the benefits of the local microclimate and pure air, thanks to its high altitude.

Healing and wellness treatments

The Cervarezza spa is famous throughout Italy thanks to its inhalation therapy, from aerosol treatment against acute and chronic inflammatory respiratory issues to insufflations for the treatment and prevention of ear infections.

The water at Cervarezza can also be drunk as a daily detox or used for mud-balneotherapy, an excellent antidote to skin diseases, degenerative rheumatic diseases and post-traumatic conditions. This is done through clay, mud and thermal water packs at a temperature of around 45 degrees.

You can also benefit from wellness treatments, from the relaxing whirlpool to the thermal therapy sauna, with its 85-95-degree dry heat that stimulates blood circulation.
The thermal hammam is also excellent if you want to enjoy a steam bath, which promotes purification of the skin and relaxation of the entire body.

In short, when it comes to wellness and spa services, you will be spoiled for choice! You can try out the relaxation room for chromotherapy and massages or take a dip in the thermal pool and try out the courses for motor rehabilitation, counter-current swimming and neck massage with the thermal waterfall.

Trails to keep fit

A series of walking and cycling routes start from Cervarezza, all in excellent condition and well signposted.
We recommend travelling to Mount Ventasso from the Santa Maria Maddalena bivouac: an approximately 30-km route that leads to an altitude of 1,720 metres. From the summit, you can enjoy beautiful views of the middle Secchia valley and the Pietra di Bismantova geological formation.

For another pleasant hike, you can walk the loop route from the Ventasso summit to Lake Calamone, which is completely safe but may not be suitable for people who suffer from vertigo. You will be rewarded for taking on the steep descent by the beautiful group of nymphs on the lake shore, which you simply have to photograph.

Then there are the Partisan Paths, 16 itineraries representing a true journey into the history of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, across the ridge between Val Secchia and Val d'Enza.

Whatever path you choose, exploring the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park promises to be a magical experience. Perhaps you will take on one or more of the ten trails to Cerreto Laghi, marked by a particular colour (orange trail, blue trail, etc.), along a ridge full of glacial lakes and breathtaking views.

Finally, we recommend the Pradarena Pass, perfect for travelling on two wheels: this is a popular destination among cyclists and motorcyclists, thanks to a modern shelter where you can enjoy a relaxing pit stop. You’re sure to enjoy this excursion into the heart of Apennine nature, along a route that has been known and traversed since Roman times.