Acquasparta: History, Churches and Landscape

A trip to Acquasparta can be tailored to your interests in architectural history, sacred art or the landscape. Other highlights include the Amerino springs and the Martani trekking trails.

Palazzo Cesi and the History of the Accademia

Palazzo Cesi was built in the centre of Acquasparta. Its construction involved several stages: in 1561, the design was entrusted to Guidetto Guidetti; later, Giovan Domenico Bianchi took over. Construction was completed around 1579. This sequence distinguishes the initial planning from the later completion. In 1618, the palazzo took on a further historical role: it became the official seat of the Accademia dei Lincei. Those interested in the development of buildings and institutions will find two interconnected timelines here—the creation of the building and its later institutional significance.

Churches, Building Phases and Works of Art

Acquasparta's churches span a range of periods. Santa Cecilia dates from the 12th century; the Cesi Chapel was built there in 1581. Thus, a medieval origin and a later-dated addition stand side by side within the same church. Madonna del Giglio dates from the 17th century. Numerous frescoes can be seen there, some of them well preserved—a specific point of interest for anyone interested in mural painting. The Church of the Most Holy Sacrament was built in 1684 in the Piazza Vecchia district. It also contains a fragment of a Roman mosaic from the ancient city of Carsulae. San Francesco provides an earlier point of reference: the church was built in 1294 outside Acquasparta's walls. It is home to an icon of the Madonna della Stella, depicting Mary with the infant Jesus and dating from the first half of the 14th century. Those wishing to compare building phases and artworks will find a combination of an older church and a later chapel at Santa Cecilia; the other examples each offer their own artistic points of interest, with frescoes, a mosaic fragment and an icon.

The Festa del Rinascimento

The Festa del Rinascimento offers another cultural dimension. It involves the three contrade—Ghetto, Porta Vecchia and San Cristoforo—which compete against one another in four contests. In 2023, the Festa was held for its 24th edition. The 24th edition demonstrates the festival's continuity through 2023. If you are planning your trip around the Festa, check the event dates for your preferred travel period.

The Amerino Springs and Martani Trekking Trails

The Amerino springs, also known as the Terme di San Francesco, are located in a thermal park among rocks covered with olive trees. The springs offer a distinct landscape attraction alongside the area's historical architecture and art. The Acquasparta area can also be explored along the signposted Martani trekking trails in the Monti Martani area. This gives you two different ways to enjoy the landscape when planning your trip: visit the thermal park, a named destination, or explore the area on signposted trails.

Discover more destinations: Poggio, Fabro, Benano, Castel Viscardo, Polino, Ficulle, Canale Nuovo, Lugnano In Teverina

For the broader travel overview: Terni.