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The Ancient Roman Baths of Castelforte: the Roman past of Suio
In the territory of Castelforte, the hamlet of Suio preserves a remarkable archaeological site: the Ancient Roman Baths. For centuries the original name, Aquae Vescinae, was no more than a literary echo, cited by authors such as Pliny and Lucan. The true history was revealed only in the late 19th century, thanks to an exceptional discovery that links this place to the grand history of Rome.
The proof on a marble slab
During 19th-century excavations, an inscription came to light, dedicated to the emperors Caracalla and Geta, and precisely datable to between 211 and 212 AD. One detail reveals a family tragedy: the name of Geta was erased after his brother had him killed. A true damnatio memoriae impressed in stone. This is the proof.
What remains of the Roman complex
Today the area bears the scars of the destruction wrought by the Second World War, but its original structure can still be imagined. There was once an atrium with mosaic floors and rooms for hot and cold baths — the calidarium and the frigidarium. And one large basin survives in name, still known locally to this day as the "vasca di Nerone", Nero's pool.
The archaeological area is still awaiting restoration, and is not regularly open to the general public. It is advisable to check for visiting possibilities directly with the Municipality of Castelforte.
