The History (original) (raw)
The Bagnaccio is a natural spa park that has always existed and is part of the complex of sources already known in antiquity as "Aquae Passeris" which is part of the broad basin of hot springs that characterizes the whole of Viterbo, known today as "Tuscia ".
The origins of the use of its waters for therapeutic and beauty, dating back to the Etruscan-Roman period (third century BC.). as attested by the writings of Strabone, Tibullo, Simmaco, Marziale and Scribonio Largo, physician to Emperor Tiberius.
In fact the whole area surrounding the Bagnaccio is littered with numerous remains of ancient Roman baths. Such was the importance of the place, which the Romans inserted the website in general the roads of the table.
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| particolare della Tabula Peutingeriana |
The table is now known thanks to Konrad Peutinger, and for this call Peutingeriana, a copy of the original Augustan age.
And 'interesting to note the importance that was given to the Baths, in fact are shown larger than the city. For the territory of Viterbo, it is interesting to note that stops were important Sutrium (Sutri), Vico Matrino (now deceased, was the first of Care Vetralia) Forum Cassius (of Three Crosses and Vetralia), the "Aquae Passeris" and it Volsinii (modern Bolsena). Viterbo at the time still was not there, appear much later, around the year 1000.
In medieval times the baths that arose around these springs became a favorite destination of many popes. It is with Pope Gregory IX in 1235, beginning the era of papal splendor. Pope Boniface IX, in 1404, he accepted the invitation of the priors of Viterbo for the curative waters and mud the "severe pain in the bones."
The importance of the baths have had in the past are documented by quotations from Dante's Divine Comedy and pen drawings by Michelangelo Buonarroti, now preserved in the museum of Vicar de Lille in France, made as he passed by in one of the baths of Viterbo his trips to Rome (between 1496 and 1536).
In the course of the '900 the site was very busy, and there were settlements and equipment of wood, then disappeared after the war. There are also many projects for the modern exploitation of thermal waters, such as the project in 1919 for the new TermedelBagnaccio, ever made.
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| a rara photp of Bagnaccio during the first '900 |
From that moment on, the site was only attended by local residents, until the '90s, when it was rediscovered and attended diligently, in a growing popularity nationwide, but no organized management.
the Bagnaccio during 70/80 del '900 (courtesy of Gabriela Cucchiarelli)
Today the site Bagnaccio, which always falls on private property, is run by an association that takes care of the maintenance, cleaning and development. Every night the 5 tanks are emptied, cleaned and refilled with clean water coming from natural sources and from the well.
The site is open all year round, from early morning until late at night (times change with the seasons). The adjacent parking area is a favorite spot for many campers, who will find a place of peace and serenity.