Telese Terme

TELESE TERME: WHERE HISTORY MEETS WELL-BEING AND NATURE

Telese Terme is more than just a destination for body care, but a place where historical heritage, the power of nature, and thermal architecture blend together for a truly regenerating experience. Let yourself be seduced by its most iconic symbols.

The Hydrothermal Complex: The Liberty Legacy

The beating heart and defining element of Telese's identity is its Hydrothermal Complex , a place where health is rooted in geological history and architecture celebrates elegance.

• The Waters of Rebirth: The Telese Thermal Baths were officially founded in 1883, exploiting the sulphurous that rose to the surface after the catastrophic earthquake of 1349. These waters, rich in minerals and known for their therapeutic properties (drinking treatments, inhalations, mud baths), are the true treasure of the place.
• Architecture and Wellness: The complex is nestled within a vast Thermal Park , an oasis of tranquility featuring Art Nouveau-style , a testament to the golden age of spa treatments. This park is not just a place of healing, but a haven for relaxation and beauty, combining modern functionality with historic charm.

The Norman Tower: Sentinel of Medieval History

Among the monuments that tell the story of Telesia — the ancient Roman and then medieval city, razed to the ground by the earthquake of 1349 — the majestic Norman Tower .

• The Last Bastion: This massive , rectangular bell tower ancient Cathedral of the Holy Cross , built in the Norman era (10th century). Its survival of the devastating earthquake makes it a symbol of resilience.
• A Rare Architectural Gem: The tower is considered one of the most interesting and rare Norman monuments in Campania . Observing it, you will notice its construction with recycled materials from the previous Roman Telesia , expertly decorated with brick motifs and opus reticulatum , a visual bridge between distant eras.

Lake Telese: Karst Nature and a Return to Calm

Telese Terme offers not only facilities, but also a natural gem, Lake Telese , a place that embodies the serenity of the Telesina Valley.

• A Mysterious Origin: The lake is a fascinating collapse sinkhole, a sinkhole . It was formed when groundwater erosion caused the rocky subsoil to collapse. Its depth and steep travertine slopes testify to its dramatic yet fascinating origins.
• An Oasis for Mind and Body: Surrounded by a perimeter of approximately one kilometer, it is the ideal place for a regenerating walk, birdwatching (it is home to species such as the white heron and the greylag goose), and sport fishing. The lake is a true natural jewel that embodies Telese's concept of well-being , a perfect balance between history, healing, and pristine nature.

TELESE TERME: THE JEWEL THAT WAS BORN FROM THE CATASTROPHE

Telese Terme, in the heart of the Sannio region, is a place where modern wellness is inextricably intertwined with a dramatic past, transforming a historical catastrophe into a vital resource. Here are the curiosities that make this city unique.

The Mysterious Lake: Born from the Earthquake

The serene and charming Lake Telese has a much more turbulent origin than one might think.

• The Sudden Birth: Popular belief holds that it is of volcanic origin given its perfectly circular shape, but the truth is linked to a colossal seismic event. The lake was formed following the devastating earthquake of 1349 , which razed the ancient city of Telesia and caused a sudden subsidence of the land, a collapse sinkhole , creating a chasm that was quickly filled by groundwater.
• Deceptive Depth: Despite its small size (around 840 metres in perimeter), the lake is surprisingly deep (between 20 and 30 metres), a characteristic given precisely by its karst origin and the collapse of the subsoil.

Healing Waters: Resources of Disaster

Telese Terme's most precious resource – its sulphurous waters – is also a direct consequence of the catastrophe of 1349.

• From Miasma to Miracle: The earthquake not only destroyed Telesia and created the lake, but also opened new fractures in the ground . From these, sulfurous waters , initially causing miasmas and swamps that made the area uninhabitable for centuries.
• The Therapeutic Rebirth: Only in the 19th century , with the reclamation and scientific analysis of the waters (rich in hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and minerals), was their therapeutic power . It was King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, in the mid-19th century, who ordered the construction of the first spa complex, transforming what had been the cause of its decline (the sulfurous vapors and the marshes) into the basis for the economic and tourist rebirth .

The Lost City and the Modern Name

The current Telese Terme is a “new city”, built not on the remains, but thanks to the resources of its ancestor, Telesia .

• Ancient Telesia : The origins of the name and history of the city date back to the important Samnite and then Roman centre of Telesia ( Urbs Foederata of Rome in 215 BC), whose conspicuous ruins are today found in the nearby territory of San Salvatore Telesino.
• The Official Stamp: The modern name has not always been so complete. The Municipality, established independently in 1934, was initially called simply "Telese." The specification "Terme" was officially added only in 1992 , through a popular referendum, to solidify its identity as a city of health and well-being. Subsequently, in 2014, it received the honorary title of City from the President of the Republic.

The creative energy of Telese Terme: from pioneers to new voices

Telese Terme, a place of regeneration and history, has not only left its mark on wellness and architecture, but has also nurtured personalities who have helped shape diverse fields, from politics to art. Although the town is known more for its thermal waters than for a long list of global celebrities, it has instilled in its children the energy needed to stand out.

Vincenzo Telese: The Visionary of Tourism

Among the most charismatic figures linked to the area is Vincenzo Telese (1907-1970). Although his career culminated far away, his enterprising spirit and vision are a perfect reflection of the energy that animates the Telesina Valley.

• The Pioneer of Ischia: Vincenzo Telese rose to fame as the historic and charismatic mayor of Ischia in the postwar period. With his far-sighted vision, he transformed what was once an island of fishermen and farmers into a world-class tourist destination . His tenacity in promoting tourism and spa treatments, pushing for the construction of large hotels and new establishments, and his capacity for self-education (he spoke fluent French and English despite being self-taught), make him an example of how ambition born in these places can leave an indelible mark on the history of Italian tourism.

Art and Sculpture: Vincenzo Vallone

The aesthetic vocation and passion for roots find voice in figures such as Vincenzo Vallone , a multifaceted artist and native of the city.

• Architect and Painter: Vallone embodies the cultural ferment of Telese Terme: an architect by profession, he is also a sculptor, painter, writer, and filmmaker . His work often focuses on the identity-forming origins Telese Terme 's ancient history .

The Political and Institutional Scene

Telese Terme has also been the birthplace of several figures who have held roles in public and political life.

• Antonio Conte (Politician): Among the personalities who have distinguished themselves in the institutional sphere, stands Antonio Conte , politician and active representative of the region.
• Massimo Cioffi and Mario Cirillo: Massimo Cioffi and Mario Cirillo also counted among the natives who have contributed to the public and professional life of the area, testifying to a city that, despite its small size, is fertile in generating talent in various disciplines.

Telese Terme, with its healing waters, seems to instill in its children not only health, but also a vital drive to excel.