Museum of Acqui Terme Acqui Terme

Acqui Terme lies in the site of the ancient Aquae Statiellae, one of the built-up areas founded in Northern Italy in the first half of 2nd century b.C. after the destruction of Carystum, the capital of the Liguri Statielli.
There are no traces of human activities in proto-historical era; nevertheless, the existence of a Preroman settlement in this area is quite probable, and might be connected to the presence of the rich thermal sources. The sources were well known to the Latin writers, and have been representing Acqui Terme for all its history.
Still today, the landscape of the town and its surroundings is characterized by the ruins of the majestic Roman aqueduct, which made it possibile to mix hot water and to use it for both curative and artisanal purposes.
The rediscovery of important and precious traces of the Roman town dates up to 16th century, but the first archaeological exhibition was organized only in 1970. A few findings were collected and exhibited at Castello dei Paleologi, in order to provide a repository for all the archaeological wealth discovered during conctruction works in town and its outskirts. Lately, the museum was renewed and its exhibition standards were improved thanks to an initiative of the Town Hall, with regional funds and under scientific supervision of Piedmont Archaeological Superintendence.