The free thermal baths of Fordongianus, in the province of Oristano, are part of the extensive thermal basin in the area, already known in Roman times: in fact, there are remains of an ancient Roman thermal complexstill today fed by the thermal waters of the spring.
Naturally, swimming is not allowed inside the archaeological site (we will see some information later), but further downstream, where the thermal stream joins the river, there are some splendid natural hot water poolsideal for a relaxing and beneficial bath, which constitute the free spas of Fordongianus, which flank the complexes of the Sardegna Grand Hotel Terme and the Terme di Is Bangius.
The waters of this area flow a very high temperatures, above 50°Cand are therefore defined hyperthermalhave a chemical composition rich in mineral salts, sodium And chloridesand they are particularly recommended for the treatment of various pathologies and disorderswith benefits for the immune system, skin, circulation and rheumatic diseases.
A little history
As already noted, the free baths are located a few steps from the ancient one archaeological site of the Roman baths of Fordongianuslocated in a large bend of the Tirso river, close to the ancient city of Trajan Forum (the current municipality of Fordongianus).
The Roman complex wanted by the emperor Trajan uses the thermal waters that flow in the area Caddasand is composed of two different factories.
The first building dates back to the 1st century AD over the centuries it has undergone numerous interventions that have shaped its current shape.
Built with imposing trachyte blocks arranged according to theopus quadratumdevelops around a large rectangular swimming pool (called natatio) equipped with 4 steps to reach the bottom and covered by a barrel vaulted ceiling, which is supported by the side porch. Near the swimming pool there are secondary rooms, which have other pools and a Nymphaeum.
This first building was used with therapeutic purposes.
The second building dates back to the 3rd century AD, therefore to a later era, and was intended both for spa treatments that to body cleansing.
Built according to the dictates ofopus caementicium and with the masonry technique opus vittatum mixtumwas connected to the first via a door and a staircase which still today opens onto the swimming pool porch. The facility offered the classic route through three environments at different temperatures: the frigidariumThe tepidarium and the calidarium.
The ancient thermal baths are well preserved and represent a place of interest not to be missed, therefore we highly recommend a visit to learn more about the history and past of Sardinia.
Useful information
Do you want to spend a day of well-being and relaxation? Here is all the practical information you will definitely need!
Entrance and times
The free spas of Fordongianus are managed by a cooperative, therefore you will have to pay an entrance fee, the prices include a cost of €4 (entire), €3 (for groups of at least 20 people), €2 (school groups and minors between 6-14 years), while it is free under 6 years.
These are the opening hours:
How to get there
From Olbia: Follow the SS13DCN in the direction of Cagliari, take the exit for Abbasanta-Ghilarza-Fordongianus and continue on SP23 until Fordongianus.
From Alghero: Take the SS127bis towards Olmedo, then the SS13 and take the exit towards SS131DCN, then the exit for Abbasanta-Ghilarza-Fordongianus.
From Sassari: Take the SS131 towards Cagliari and then the exit towards SS131DCN, follow signs for Abbasanta-Ghilarza-Fordongianus.
From Cagliari: Follow the SS131DCN towards Sassari, take the exit for Simaxis and proceed on the SS388 through Simaxis, Ollastra, Villanova Truschedu up to Fordongianus.
Reviews
I ended up at the spa on a strong windy day and, not being able to go to the beach, I retreated to Fordongianus. How wonderful! What seemed like a wasted day turned out to be a special day, full of emotions. The spa runs along the Tirso and the landscape seems enchanted. The facility is spotless. The price is within everyone’s reach and the two staff: Martina and Romina are kind and very attentive to the needs of the customers who they follow with great care and kindness. I recommend going but booking in advance.
The ruins are in good condition but should be enhanced and preserved better. Availability of a less than exhaustive audio guide. To complement the visit and enter into the atmosphere, I recommend going to the thermal baths a little further on (bring your bathing suit, bathrobe, slippers and cap) for only €5.
Nice place, possibility of bathing in the nearby river which is heated by the waters of the source, which flows at 58°!!
There are also thermal baths, at a negligible cost, managed by a local cooperative just 300 meters away. If you don’t want to spend €39.00 (entrance) + €12.00 (bathroom set) at the well-organised Grand Hotel Terme di Forongianus.
It is truly worth arriving in this small village full of history, for a relaxing stop.
The village of Fordongianus
The hot springs are the main reason many visitors come here, but Fordongianus is worth a few hours of exploration outside of the water too. The center of the town looks like a cluster of houses built with the typical stone of the area, red trachyte, a style that distinguishes this part of Sardinia. Walking through the alleys of the center means immersing yourself in an atmosphere suspended in time, where this volcanic stone with warm tones colors facades, portals and stairways.
One of the most fascinating examples is the Aragonese House, also known as Palazzo Madeddu, a sixteenth-century building that recalls the Catalan-Aragonese architectural style. The visit is included in the ticket to the Roman baths and is an opportunity not to be missed. Not far away is the sixteenth-century parish church of San Pietro Apostolo in red trachyte, while a few kilometers from the town stands the small church of San Lussorio, built by the Victorian monks around 1100 on an early Christian crypt.
It is also worth knowing that every summer Fordongianus hosts the International Sculpture Symposium, an event that attracts artists from all over the world to work the local trachyte. The works created over the years are scattered throughout the town and constitute a sort of open-air museum.
When to go
The free spas of Fordongianus are open all year round and the waters flow at a constant temperature regardless of the season, but the period in which the experience is most evocative is undoubtedly autumn and winter. Immersing yourself in warm water outdoors while the air is cool, with the Tirso valley shrouded in morning fog, is a completely different thing than doing it under the August sun. In summer the high external temperatures reduce the thermal contrast and make swimming less satisfying, while the area becomes more crowded with tourists. Spring is a good compromise: the climate is mild, the landscape lush and the presences are smaller. Those looking for authentic relaxation and want to avoid the crowds will do well to prefer the months from October to April.
How to orient yourself once you arrive
The free spas are located just outside the town, along the bank of the Tirso river. Arriving from Fordongianus, follow the road that leads to the archaeological site of the Roman baths: the natural pools are located further downstream, at the point where the thermal stream joins the river. In practice, those who come to visit the archaeological area and then go down towards the river find themselves already near the free spa, a few minutes’ walk away. For those who use the navigator, it is useful to directly search for “Free Baths of Fordongianus” on Google Maps, which returns the precise position of the entrance managed by the cooperative, avoiding ending up by mistake at the entrance of the Grand Hotel Terme, which is located in the same area but is a separate structure and requires a different payment.
