The thermal baths of Sciacca: discovering a lost treasure
A unique place in the world, known since the time of the Greeks, which takes advantage of the hot springs in the famous town of Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento. Today between loss-making budgets and abandonment by policy, this “treasure” is in danger of being lost. Let us discover together one of the many Sicilian heritages unfortunately unknown to many.
History: from the Greeks to the present day
Le Spa of Sciacca are probably the oldest in the world, appreciated and known since the time of the Greeks. Designed by the Athenian architect Daedalus, who arrived after escaping the labyrinth of Crete and losing his son Icarus.
In medieval times, specifically in the 16th century, St. Calogero had the sick cured here with the use of the
stoves, that is, the steamy caves located on Mount Kronio that make the spa complex unique.
The use of the sulfurous waters of Acqua Santa immediately attracted many people from all parts of Sicily. For a long time the structure remained in the wild and untamed state, and it was not until the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, thanks to the studies of a number of scientists who highlighted its therapeutic qualities, that a structural expansion and architectural beautification took place that this natural corner deserved.
The twentieth century confirms expectations and makes Sciacca to all intents and purposes a tourist-thermal reality, thanks not only to interventions from the urban point of view but also to the creation of accommodation and recreational facilities.
But, towards the end of the 1950s, the municipality, unable from the financial point of view to start new initiatives, decided to sell this patrimony to the Sicilian Region, which, however, encountered difficulties in managing the hotel facilities that had sprung up near the baths and stoves. Fortunately, in the 1970s Sciacca again became a favored destination for all those who wanted to take advantage of nationally and internationally recognized seaside and spa tourism. What about today?
The sad abandonment of institutions: the epilogue of an announced end
Once upon a time there was a spa in Sciacca. The slow decline is due to a mix of management that caused major debts to accumulate and policy choices that were probably ill-suited to the situation. We start with the past role of the Sicilian Region, which has owned the spa complex for several years. Unfortunately, with the period of public health-contracted spaism over, it has been unable to find a private partner capable of launching the spa into the challenge of the 2000s, which focuses more on wellness. Institutions, secondly, have failed to select specialized management figures who could have turned around the fortunes of a heritage not only of the Saccano area, but also of Sicily. History then tells us about tenders deserted and attempts to revive a sick person considered by many to be “terminal,” but who just needs support from everyone. It is the current regional government’s arduous task to make the last attempt in this regard and try to attract qualified entrepreneurs.
Spa tourism in Sicily: here is the situation
Let’s face it right away: spa tourism in the Sicilian region turns out to be an untapped resource, to say the least. While travelers choose the Island of the Landing of the thousand for cultural and food and wine highlights (as already reported in an interesting article within our blog), still too little are exploited natural springs and therapeutic paths.
“Sicily has a very strong attraction, including for spa tourism, but an offer that is definitely lacking, especially in comparison with other regions.” “Our firm will – adds Regional President Musumeci
– is to upgrade and enrich Sicilian spa facilities, which must become tourist attractors and a source of income for the island’s many operators.”
Not only Sciacca, but also those of Acireale e Termini Imerese in the province of Palermo, are just a few examples of realities with immense potential that will have to overcome the archaic vision of spas if they are to remain standing. Today, therapeutic treatments must be taken into account as much as and especially wellness treatments, which are frequented not only by those who need specific spa treatments, but also by those who decide to spend a weekend in complete relaxation and personal care.
by Davide Donnarumma