Terme dei Papi

Terme dei Papi

By Sammy Browne, USAC Student

The weather was not too cold for fall and felt like a perfect October day as me and my friends stepped off our €1,50 bus. The ride was only fifteen minutes from Sacrario square and upon finding out where we were going the bus driver enthusiastically joked about him coming along with us while making a swimming gesture. We were headed to Terme dei Papi, a hot springs, hotel, and spa combined. After a stressful week we came seeking the mineral pool and possibly some massages or facials. 

Once heading in we purchased access to the pool for €18 (we went on a weekend, weekday access fees are €12) then decided to splurge on pool loungers for €5 and tried to get a pool floater for €1 but were informed that they were all out. Finally it cost €5 to get the keycard to access the pool with a promised refund of €2 once it was returned. Another two tried to get mud facials and full body mud masks but they weren’t doing it that day so they ended up paying €50 for entry to the pool and a twenty five minute massage. 

Once inside it was surprisingly quiet and relaxing for the amount of people there. We walked in and changed into our swimsuits then walked outside. Once getting out lounge chairs set up half of us went to the big pool while me and friend went up to a hot tub tucked away in the corner, overlooking the whole area. After taking some pictures and relaxing we all met back up at the lounge chairs and laid out. Despite the amount of people there everyone talked in lowered voices and had a calm demeanor. After relaxing and reading for a while we made our way over to the main pool. It felt warm and was surprisingly very shallow allowing us all to sit and talk while soaking up the minerals. After lounging in the pool for some time we walked up into the small waterfall you can sit under and got a back massage courtesy of gravity itself. The restaurant inside was closed during the day however they did have a snack shack open which we got chips and drinks at. 

Overall that day I ended up spending €40 but was there for around five hours which I would say is worth it for a day. I definitely plan on coming back to get a facial and go to the pool many times especially when it gets colder. This was a much needed day of relaxing for an affordable price. If you need any help planning a trip or figuring out how to get there contact inTuscia for travel accommodations.