Antiche Terme La Rita

Where it is

The Antiche Terme La Rita (the “old La Rita baths”), also known as Terme Rita “F. Monti”, are in the hilly western part of Casamicciola Terme, in upper Casamicciola. The establishment stands by the Cava La Rita, a small valley at the foot of Monte Epomeo which descriptions of the thermal basins place at the bottom of an ancient crater, at the base of the Cesa hill. It is a secluded, green area, quite different from the spa centre of Piazza Bagni.

The La Rita spring

The establishment is fed by the La Rita spring, the heart of the La Rita hydrothermal basin, where several neighbouring springs converge beneath the Arenella bridge. These are hyperthermal waters, at temperatures above 60 °C, of the bicarbonate-sulphate-sodium type, colourless and odourless, and not intended for drinking. Nearby there are fumaroles that reach temperatures close to 100 °C.

Ancient writers called the spring Fons Retis, and the basin was also known as La Rete. According to local tradition, however, the present name comes from “creta”, the local clay, which over time was shortened to “Rita”: a reminder of the muds that made the spring famous.

History

The spring was described by Giulio Iasolino in 1588 and, in the 19th century, by the physicians Marone (1847) and Morgera (1890), who recommended its waters for stiff joints, lower back pain and bronchial catarrh, and its muds for arthritis, the after-effects of fractures and chronic skin conditions. The scholar Paul Buchner considered the Terme Rita the first establishment on Ischia to have practised mud therapy, even before 1800.

Among the more curious accounts is that of the Danish writer Vilhelm Bergsøe, a friend of Henrik Ibsen, who in 1867 recounted how he had healed an injured arm with La Rita mud. In 1912, at the international exhibition in Paris, the spring's waters and muds won a gold medal for their therapeutic qualities.

Useful information

The Terme d'Ischia portal reports that access to the spring and the establishment is not possible at present. Before planning a visit, it is therefore essential to check directly with the establishment whether it is open, which services are available and how to gain access.

How to get there

The La Rita area lies in the western part of Casamicciola, towards Lacco Ameno, and can be reached along Calata Sant'Antonio. There is also a bus stop called La Rita in the area.

What to see nearby

• The La Rita spring and the La Rita basin.
• The hilly area of upper Casamicciola, with trails climbing towards Epomeo.