Articles

The historic centre of Porretta Terme has retained its mediaeval structure and runs along the last stretch of the local torrent, the Rio Maggiore, just before it flows into the River Reno.

Porretta owes its renown to the so-called "Terme Alte", an ancient spa complex perched at the top of the town (where the stream emerges from the gorge), consisting of a cluster of fine 19th-century buildings regarded as a major attraction for the Italian upper middle class for a long time.

The old town is spread out along the two banks of the stream, among medieval-looking streets and squares, connected by bridges and subways, until reaching Via Matteotti, the heart of the town's life, and finally Piazza della Libertà, home to the 20th-century Town Hall. Slightly away from the centre, on the first slopes of the mountain, we find the parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena with some valuable works of art in its interior. At the end of the square, turning left along Via Mazzini, you will find the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, with its 19th-century church housing one of the most famous mechanical nativity scenes in existence. The 16th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, located just outside the village towards Tuscany, is also worth a visit.