Porretta Terme
Welcome to Porretta Terme, an oasis of peace and wellness
Porretta Terme is a picturesque village in the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, located in the Reno river valley. Known for its healing thermal waters, this location is ideal for nature and wellness enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore its geography, territory, the origin of its name and its history.
Physical Geography
Porretta Terme extends over a vast basin in the Reno river valley, 45 km from Bologna and 35 km from Pistoia. It is reachable through the 64 Porrettana state road and the Porrettana railway that connects it to Bologna and Pistoia.
Porretta Terme is located on the left bank of the Reno river, at the confluence of the Rio Maggiore stream. The Porrettana railway divides the village from Berzantina, a locality of the Castel di Casio municipality on the right bank of the Reno river. To the north, Porretta Terme joins the Corvella hamlet and the locality of Silla, part of the municipalities of Gaggio Montano and Castel di Casio. To the south, it continues with the Ponte della Venturina hamlet in the Sambuca Pistoiese municipality.
The Porretta Terme basin represents the lowest point of the former municipality, completely mountainous and full of water. The forested area is almost total, and the presence of chestnut groves makes the landscape even more charming.
Territory
Before the creation of the Alto Reno Terme municipality, Porretta Terme included three hamlets: Corvella, Capugnano and Castelluccio. Now all merged into the new municipality, these hamlets border on the municipalities of Gaggio Montano, Lizzano in Belvedere, and Castel di Casio.
The former municipal territory is full of water, and the presence of deciduous woods and chestnut groves makes the area even more suggestive. Agriculture, now almost disappeared, was part of Porretta Terme's history.
Origin of the Name
The toponym Porretta Terme would derive from the Latin "porrectus" and "porrigere," which mean "extended" and "long." Probably this name refers to the position of the village, located in a vast basin.
History
The history of Porretta Terme dates back to ancient times and is linked to the healing properties of its thermal waters. According to a medieval legend, the healing of a sick ox that drank from the thermal springs began Porretta Terme's fame as a thermal destination.
Despite its age, beauty, and history, Porretta Terme in the past belonged to an autonomous municipality that was suppressed on December 31, 2015. Later on, Porretta Terme and Granaglione established the Alto Reno Terme municipality.
Conclusions
Porretta Terme is a location worth visiting for its natural beauty and the healing properties of its thermal waters. The area is rich in deciduous woods and chestnut groves and offers many opportunities for nature lovers. Furthermore, thanks to the Porrettana Railway, it is possible to reach Bologna and Pistoia comfortably. Come and discover the charm of Porretta Terme and let yourself be conquered by its beauty!
