Ambitious new thermal park planned for Civitavecchia in Italy

Terme dei Papi SpA, which has been operated by the Sensi family since 1993, has announced plans to build a new thermal park in Civitavecchia, in the Lazio region of Italy.

Studio Apostoli is designing the thermal bathing complex, which will span 26,000sqm. It will sit next to the ruins of a Roman bathhouse site, Terme Taurine, and forms part of a larger project to revitalise the Lazio region.

Terme dei Papi SpA, which owns the land, also operates a thermal bathing site of the same name in Viterbo.

Positioned as a new centre for wellness and cultural tourism, and a strategic investment in the region’s future, the thermal park will feature four distinct thematic zones.

“Together with the Sensi family, we’ve built a collaborative relationship grounded in a deep commitment to wellness. Our goal was to develop a masterplan capable of synthesising all the necessary elements,” said Alberto Apostoli, founder of Studio Apostoli.

Inside the new thermal park

Facilities will include 14 pools spanning 1,440sqm, all sourced from natural thermal springs. Each is positioned to follow the site’s morphology, remaining discreetly nestled into the landscape and out of view from neighbouring areas.

Prefabricated and adaptable construction modules have been used to reduce environmental impact and accelerate build times.

A tribute to classical heritage and a celebration of wellbeing, the thermal park will comprise a large outdoor area arranged across three terraces, which will follow the land’s natural contours.

An architectural complex will revitalise the historic rural structure known as Casale dei Bagni.

Roman-era-inspired zones

A contemporary reimagining of the Roman era, the themes will be Mare Nostrum, the Eastern Provinces, the Great North and Imperial Rome.

This will form the foundation of an immersive, multi-sensory visitor experience that will include sculpted pathways, aromatic trails and panoramic viewing points.

Visits will begin with Mare Nostrum, which will include the restored Casale dei Bagni and feature 32°C thermal pools, ornamental fountains and a leisure zone with dramatic evening lighting.

In the Eastern Provinces, circular structures will be inspired by the layout of the Oracle of Delphi. These structures will surround pools of varying temperatures and salinity, designed for rest, recovery and relaxation.

A contrast of thermal experiences including a Kneipp circuit, a panoramic Finnish sauna and cold-hot plunge pools will feature in the Great North.

The journey will conclude with Imperial Rome, where thermal and non-thermal pools, multi-level waterfalls and a lounge bar will pay homage to Roman grandeur.

Where sustainability meets design

Sustainability lies at the heart of the project. The park will be equipped with advanced rainwater harvesting systems and low-visibility photovoltaic panels.

It will be built using neutral-toned materials to avoid disrupting avian migration routes and will see more than 500 plantings of native Mediterranean species to strengthen the ecological value of the site.

In a shared commitment, Studio Apostoli and the Sensi family have revealed their intention to preserve the site’s identity while enhancing its natural topography, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The completion date of the project is currently scheduled for the beginning of 2028.

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