In the Ravenna hinterland, where fertile hills grow into the Senio Valley, Riolo Terme is located, a few km away from Via Emilia, about 50km away from Bologna.
The main attractions of the “City of Waters” are the historical, environmental, and gastronomic heritage, but especially the prized thermal waters, already known and used in Roman times.
The Old Town is surrounded by strong walls, while the more modern part extends near the majestic “Thermal Baths Park”, a green relaxing oasis in the heart of Romagna.
This day, focused on wellbeing, couldn’t start anywhere else than in Riolo Terme Thermas Baths, surrounded by green rolling hills and immersed in a wide wood of century-old trees.
Here, among modern halls and Liberty stile buildings, visitors not only can get rid of stress in the comfortable warmth of the SPA, but also enjoy the traditional treatments with therapeutical muds and waters naturally springing up nearby.
Riolo Thermal Baths, in fact, has an elegant Thermarium, with Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, multi-sensory showers, thermal pool and a fully equipped gym.
The pool with salsobromoiodic waters has a temperature of 32°C in warmer months, 34°C in winter. Its gradual depth allows visitors to relax in total safety.
To complete this moment of relaxation, there are many treatments available: some based on currant berries, guaranà or Bach flowers.
After a well-deserved rest in the skillful hands of the Thermal Baths operators, it is time to move on to the evocative Riolo Terme Fortress, for a guided visit with Caterina Sforza in person.
An ancient fortification of the Senio Valley built with the Old Town at the end of the XIV century, Riolo Fortress is a beautiful example of a military building, according to the evolution of military knowledge of the Late Middle Ages. It is considered to be a “transitional” fortress, summing up together Medieval and Reinassance architectural features.
The visit evolves on different levels, allowing a full immersion into the Middle Ages and history. From the cellars to higher floors through narrow passages, visitors will experience the deeds of Medieval knights, discover the war machines and listen to stories about Caterina Sforza.
To finsh off the day, the suggestion is to focus on gastronomic delicacies of Romagna traditions. You cannot leave Riolo Terme without trying typical Romagna Shallot, PGI typical product since 1997. Its peculiar flavor, halfway between onion and garlic, strong yet sweet, makes it a perfect ingredient for sauces, vegetables and roasted meat.
