Salsomaggiore and its Art Nouveau heritage

A spa town reborn

Just twelve kilometres from the Podere, Salsomaggiore Terme is a town that defies expectations. Most people drive through it on the way to the hills without stopping. That's a mistake. Because Salsomaggiore hides one of Italy's most extraordinary Art Nouveau heritage, built during the Belle Époque when this small town was one of Europe's most fashionable spa destinations.

The salt-rich thermal waters of Salsomaggiore were known since Roman times, but the town's golden age came between 1890 and 1930, when wealthy visitors from across Europe flocked here. Grand hotels, theatres, parks and above all the monumental Terme Berzieri were built in an exuberant Art Nouveau and Art Deco style that still takes the breath away today. And now, after years of closure, the Berzieri have been spectacularly brought back to life.

QC Terme in Palazzo Berzieri: the new heart of Salsomaggiore

In December 2025, after a major restoration costing over 44 million euros, the Palazzo Berzieri reopened as QC Terme Salsomaggiore — a contemporary wellness centre inside one of Italy's most spectacular Art Deco buildings. The project, realized in partnership with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, has not only saved the building but turned Salsomaggiore into a major wellness destination once again.

The new QC spa covers approximately 9,000 square metres across two buildings: the main Palazzo Berzieri and the adjacent former Thermal Power Plant. The meticulous restoration has brought back to life the frescoes, mosaics and decorations by Galileo Chini — the same artist who decorated the Royal Palace of Siam — creating a unique setting where early 20th-century art meets contemporary wellness.

Inside you'll find over 40 wellness practices: thermal pools, saunas and bio-saunas, relaxation rooms, sensory paths and — the crowning jewel — panoramic rooftop pools with views over the Emilian hills. The former Thermal Power Plant has been transformed into a striking space with pools on multiple levels, suspended walkways and double-height terraces. The entry is unlimited in time and includes bathrobe, towel, slippers and the signature QC evening aperitif.

This is a genuine game-changer for the area. QC Terme expects around 150,000 visitors per year, and the early figures since opening have exceeded expectations. For guests at the Podere, it means having a world-class spa experience just a short drive away.

Practical info — QC Terme Salsomaggiore (Palazzo Berzieri)
Distance: 12 km from the Podere
Hours: Sun–Thu 9:00–23:00, Fri–Sat 9:00–24:00
Entry includes: bathrobe, towel, slippers, evening aperitif
Not permitted: under 14s and pregnant women
Booking recommended on weekends
Official website · Google Maps

Walking through the Liberty centre

The Palazzo Berzieri isn't an isolated gem — it sits within a historic centre rich with Art Nouveau and early 20th-century architecture. Before or after your spa visit, take your time to walk through the pedestrian streets and you'll notice the decorative details everywhere: wrought-iron balconies, floral ceramic tiles, ornate facades, grand hotel entrances.

Worth noting along the walk:

• Palazzo dei Congressi (former Grand Hôtel des Thermes) — a monumental building that once hosted Europe's aristocratic visitors
• Parco Mazzini — the main park of Salsomaggiore, perfect for a stroll with views over the town and surrounding hills
• The historic cafés — several bars and cafés in the centre still preserve their early 20th-century interiors. Stop for a coffee and look at the ceilings

The overall impression is of a town that was designed for elegance and leisure — and that, thanks to the reopening of the Berzieri, is finding that identity again.

The salt connection

Salsomaggiore's story begins underground. The name itself — "salso" means salty — reveals the town's deepest identity. For centuries, salt was extracted from wells drilled deep into the hills, making the local feudal lords (the Pallavicino family, the same who built Scipione Castle) wealthy and powerful.

In the 19th century, the discovery that the salt-bromide-iodine waters had therapeutic properties transformed Salsomaggiore from a mining town into a spa destination. That tradition has now come full circle with the arrival of QC Terme, which brings contemporary wellness back to the place where Italian spa culture was born.

Combining Salsomaggiore with other visits

Salsomaggiore pairs perfectly with a visit to Scipione Castle, which is just 2 km away. You could visit the castle in the morning, stroll through the Liberty centre, then spend the afternoon and evening at QC Terme — a perfect full day. The town also has good restaurants and gelaterias that make a stop worthwhile in its own right.

Practical info — Salsomaggiore Terme
Distance: 12 km from the Podere (town centre)
Best for: a full or half day of culture + wellness + food
Combine with: Scipione Castle (2 km away)
Beautiful in any season — QC Terme makes it a year-round destination

Why visit in the off-season

This is one of my favourite recommendations for guests who stay at the Podere between November and March. While the villages and outdoor activities are best in warmer months, Salsomaggiore shines year-round. The Art Nouveau architecture is equally beautiful under grey skies, and now that QC Terme is open, you have the perfect reason to make the trip on a cold day: combine a morning visit to Scipione Castle with an afternoon of pools, saunas and aperitif at the Berzieri. It's probably the best way to spend a winter day in this part of Emilia.