acqui

Acqui, officially Acqui Terme, is a town and comune in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, in the province of Alessandria. It lies in the Bormida valley in the Monferrato area and is renowned for its thermal springs and spa heritage. The waters have attracted visitors since antiquity, and the town’s modern spa district remains a central part of its economy and identity.

The area shows evidence of ancient settlement and was known to the Romans for its baths. In the Middle Ages Acqui developed as a market town with fortifications. In the 18th and 19th centuries a renewed spa culture drew visitors from the region and beyond, shaping the town’s architecture and social life.

Today Acqui’s economy rests on health tourism, hospitality, and services related to spa facilities, while the surrounding countryside supports viticulture and agricultural production typical of Monferrato. The town hosts markets, cultural events, and local food traditions that reflect Piedmontese and Monferrato heritage.

The historic center preserves a mix of medieval and Baroque buildings alongside modern spa complexes. Acqui Terme serves as a gateway to the Monferrato hills and remains a destination for wellness tourism and regional gastronomy within Piedmont.