# Thermal spas > Casamicciola Terme is one of the symbols of Ischia’s spa tradition. The area has four hydrothermal basins – Gurgitello, Cotto and Sinigallia, La Rita and Castiglione – with hot springs of volcanic origin known for centuries, historic spa buildings such as the Terme Belliazzi and modern thermal parks by the sea. ## Casamicciola Terme Ischia’s thermal tradition The island of water and well-being [Discover the thermal sites](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/gurgitello-thermal-basin/) Casamicciola carries its thermal waters in its very name: ‘Terme’ means spa. Beneath the town, the island’s volcanic activity heats waters that rise through faults and fractures in the ground: Italy’s Civil Protection Department notes that hot waters and gas emissions are among the signs of a volcano that is currently quiescent. From this deep heat spring the waters that, for centuries, have made Casamicciola one of the capitals of European spa culture. The municipality has four major hydrothermal basins. In [Piazza Bagni](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/key-places/piazza-bagni/), in the heart of the town, lie the [Gurgitello basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/gurgitello-thermal-basin/) and the [Cotto and Sinigallia basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/cotto-and-sinigallia-thermal-basin/); in the upper town, in a valley on the slopes of Monte Epomeo, is the [La Rita basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/la-rita-thermal-basin/); and on the eastern coast, where hot water flows right down to the sea, the [Castiglione basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/castiglione-thermal-basin/). These waters have a long history: in 1588 the physician Giulio Iasolino described their virtues in his treatise _De' rimedi naturali che sono nell'isola di Pithecusa, hoggi detta Ischia_; in 1604 the Pio Monte della Misericordia opened a house next to the Gurgitello offering free treatment to the poor of Naples; and in the 19th century villas, hotels and spa buildings welcomed illustrious guests, from Garibaldi to writers from northern Europe. This page presents the thermal sites from a geographical, historical and cultural perspective. **Mindful well-being:** this content is provided for tourism and cultural purposes. Thermal treatments should only be undertaken at authorised facilities and on medical advice. ## Water, history and landscape A heritage worth knowing - Volcanic origin — The waters and geothermal phenomena reveal the island’s deep nature. - A centuries-old tradition — Studies, hospices and spa buildings turned Casamicciola into a landmark of spa culture. - Mindful well-being — Every experience should be chosen through authorised facilities and professional advice. ## The area’s main thermal basins The waters of Casamicciola Local sources identify four large hydro-thermo-mineral basins, each with its own springs, history and landscape. - [Gurgitello](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/gurgitello-thermal-basin/) — The historic basin of Piazza Bagni, celebrated by Iasolino and linked to the Antiche Terme Belliazzi. - [Cotto and Sinigallia](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/cotto-and-sinigallia-thermal-basin/) — The second basin in Piazza Bagni, with springs bearing old names such as the Occhio, the Tamburo and the Colata. - [La Rita](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/la-rita-thermal-basin/) — Some of the hottest waters in the area, in a valley on the slopes of Monte Epomeo, famous for their thermal mud. - [Castiglione](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/castiglione-thermal-basin/) — The basin on the eastern coast, where the hot springs flow right down to the sea. ## Basins, springs, historic spas and thermal parks Discover the thermal sites All the places of Casamicciola’s spa tradition, sorted by type. ## Four ways to discover this heritage Experiencing spa culture - Stroll around Piazza Bagni — The Bagni quarter is home to the Gurgitello and Cotto springs and the historic spa buildings that grew up around their waters. - Choose a wellness experience — Historic spas and thermal parks let you discover the area’s waters, always at authorised facilities. - Explore volcanic landscapes — Fumaroles, craters and woods reveal the heat of the earth that feeds the springs. - Delve into the history — From Iasolino’s treatise to the Pio Monte hospice and its rebirth by the sea after 1883. ## Milestones of the spa tradition A centuries-long history - 1588 — Iasolino’s treatise — Giulio Iasolino’s studies helped spread knowledge of the island’s springs. - 1604 — The Pio Monte house — A house was established near the Gurgitello so that the less well-off could also receive thermal treatments. - 1854 — The Belliazzi spa — The spa building over the Gurgitello spring was completed at the initiative of Ferdinand II of Bourbon. - 1883–1895 — Rebirth by the sea — After 1883 the Pio Monte della Misericordia left Piazza Bagni and was reborn by the sea, where the new hospice opened in 1895. ## The language of the thermal landscape Glossary - Waters — Springs that rise through the volcanic subsoil. - Muds — Elements linked to the local spa tradition. - Vapours — Visible signs of geothermal activity. - Landscape — A heritage that brings together nature and culture. ## Getting to know Casamicciola’s thermal spas Frequently asked questions - What is the best-known thermal spring in Casamicciola? — The Gurgitello, in the Piazza Bagni area, is the best-known historic landmark of the local spa tradition. - What are the main thermal basins in the area? — Local sources identify Gurgitello, Cotto or Sinigallia, La Rita and Castiglione. - Can I visit the springs freely? — Access, visits and use depend on the individual sites and facilities. Always check conditions and opening times with the operators. - Does this website provide medical advice? — No. The content is for tourism, historical and cultural purposes and does not replace the advice of doctors or healthcare facilities: thermal treatments should be undertaken at authorised facilities and on medical advice. - Where can I find out more about the history of the spas? — See the History section and the pages on the thermal sites published on this website. - What else can I visit besides the spas? — Casamicciola offers trails, places of memory, the seafront, the Marina and routes through the volcanic landscape. [Contact us](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/contact/) ## The spas are just the beginning Discover the sea, trails, history, events and hospitality of Casamicciola Terme. [Discover Casamicciola](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/discover-casamicciola/) ### Thermal basin - [Gurgitello Thermal Basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/gurgitello-thermal-basin/): The Gurgitello is the main hydrothermal basin of Casamicciola Terme: around 12,000 square metres on the eastern side of Piazza Bagni, where several hot springs converge. Praised by Giulio Iasolino in… - [Cotto and Sinigallia Thermal Basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/cotto-and-sinigallia-thermal-basin/): The Cotto and Sinigallia basin is the second hydrothermal basin of Piazza Bagni in Casamicciola Terme. It covers around 10,000 square metres on the western side of the square, at the foot of the… - [La Rita Thermal Basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/la-rita-thermal-basin/): The La Rita basin is a hydrothermal basin in upper Casamicciola, set in a small valley on the slopes of Monte Epomeo known as the Cava La Rita. Its waters, among the hottest in the area, supplied the… - [Castiglione Thermal Basin](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/castiglione-thermal-basin/): The Castiglione basin is the hydrothermal basin on the eastern coast of Casamicciola Terme, towards the boundary with Ischia town. Between the Castiglione and Bagnitiello hills, its hot springs reach… ### Thermal park - [Castiglione Thermal Park](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/castiglione-thermal-park/): Castiglione Thermal Park is a thermal spa park on the eastern coast of Casamicciola Terme, at Via Castiglione 62. Since 1977 it has welcomed guests to its thermal pools at different temperatures… - ['O Vagnitiello Thermal Park](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/o-vagnitiello-thermal-park/): 'O Vagnitiello is a beach and thermal park overlooking a small cove on the eastern coast of Casamicciola Terme, at Via Vicinale Bagnitiello 32. It combines thermal pools, sea-view terraces and a… ### Thermal spring - [Gurgitello Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/gurgitello-spring/): The Gurgitello spring is the most famous thermal spring in Casamicciola Terme and gives its name to the basin in Piazza Bagni. Praised by Giulio Iasolino in 1588, it supplied the Pio Monte's… - [Stomaco or Cappone Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/stomaco-or-cappone-spring/): The Stomaco spring, also known as the Cappone spring, is one of the sources that flow into the Gurgitello basin in Piazza Bagni, Casamicciola Terme. It used to rise in a small well west of the… - [Oro, Argento and Ferro Springs](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/oro-argento-and-ferro-springs/): The Oro, Argento and Ferro springs (Gold, Silver and Iron) are three small sources in the Gurgitello hydrothermal basin, between Piazza Bagni and the Ombrasco in Casamicciola Terme. Mentioned in… - [Ombrasco Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/ombrasco-spring/): The Ombrasco spring is one of the sources of the Gurgitello hydrothermal basin in Casamicciola Terme. It takes its name from the Ombrasco hill, at whose foot, on the eastern side of Piazza Bagni, the… - [Tamburo Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/tamburo-spring/): The Tamburo spring is a source in the Cotto and Sinigallia hydrothermal basin, on the western side of Piazza Bagni in Casamicciola Terme. It owes its name (“drum”) to the rhythmic sound, like… - [Occhio Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/occhio-spring/): The Occhio spring, also known as the “cool bath”, is a source in the Cotto and Sinigallia hydrothermal basin, in Piazza Bagni, Casamicciola Terme. Its name (“eye”) recalls the old custom of bathing… - [Spelonca Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/spelonca-spring/): The Spelonca spring is one of the sources that flow into the Cotto and Sinigallia hydrothermal basin, on the western side of Piazza Bagni in Casamicciola Terme. Listed in descriptions of the basin… - [La Rita Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/la-rita-spring/): The La Rita spring rises in a small valley in upper Casamicciola, the Cava La Rita, on the slopes of Monte Epomeo. Its bicarbonate-sulphate-sodium water exceeds 60 °C and fed the Antiche Terme Rita… - [Castiglione Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/castiglione-spring/): The Castiglione spring is the main source of the hydrothermal basin of the same name, on the eastern coast of Casamicciola Terme towards the boundary with Ischia. Its hot waters, known since the 16th… - [Bagnitiello Spring](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/bagnitiello-spring/): The Bagnitiello spring rises in the small bay of the same name, west of the Castiglione headland, on the coast of Casamicciola Terme. Part of the Castiglione hydrothermal basin, its hot water flows… ### Historic spas - [Antiche Terme Belliazzi](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/belliazzi-historic-thermal-spa/): The Antiche Terme Belliazzi are the historic spa establishment in Piazza Bagni, Casamicciola Terme, built over the Gurgitello, the island's most celebrated spring. The present building was… - [Antiche Terme Fiola](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/fiola-historic-thermal-spa/): The Antiche Terme Fiola are a historic spa establishment in Casamicciola Terme, at Via Ombrasco 19, a short walk from Piazza Bagni. They are fed by springs of the Gurgitello basin, in the Ombrasco… - [Antiche Terme Manzi](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/manzi-historic-thermal-spa/): The Antiche Terme Manzi are a historic spa establishment in Piazza Bagni, Casamicciola Terme, founded in 1863 by Luigi Manzi on the Gurgitello waters. They are linked to the stay of Giuseppe… - [Antiche Terme La Rita](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/la-rita-historic-thermal-spa/): The Antiche Terme La Rita are a historic establishment in upper Casamicciola, fed by the La Rita spring, which rises in the Cava La Rita at the foot of Monte Epomeo. Its bicarbonate-sulphate-sodium… - [Pio Monte della Misericordia Complex](https://visitcasamicciola.com/en/thermal-spas/pio-monte-della-misericordia-complex/): The Pio Monte della Misericordia complex is the old thermal hospice of Casamicciola Terme, founded in the early 17th century by the Gurgitello springs to treat the poor free of charge. After 1883 it… ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best-known thermal spring in Casamicciola? The Gurgitello, in the Piazza Bagni area, is the best-known historic landmark of the local spa tradition. ### What are the main thermal basins in the area? Local sources identify Gurgitello, Cotto or Sinigallia, La Rita and Castiglione. ### Can I visit the springs freely? Access, visits and use depend on the individual sites and facilities. Always check conditions and opening times with the operators. ### Does this website provide medical advice? No. The content is for tourism, historical and cultural purposes and does not replace the advice of doctors or healthcare facilities: thermal treatments should be undertaken at authorised facilities and on medical advice. ### Where can I find out more about the history of the spas? See the History section and the pages on the thermal sites published on this website. ### What else can I visit besides the spas? Casamicciola offers trails, places of memory, the seafront, the Marina and routes through the volcanic landscape.