Amidst the fumes and steam that still emerge along the banks of the Tirso River, the Aquae Ypsitanae of Fordongianus offer an extraordinary testimony to the hydraulic engineering of ancient Rome in Sardinia.
This monumental thermal complex, founded during the time of the Emperor Trajan, transformed a natural spring of hyperthermal waters into a sophisticated center for healing, wellness, and social gathering.
The heart of the site is dominated by the grand "Natatio," a large open-air pool fed directly by the hot springs that gush out at about fifty-four degrees. The remains of the trachite stone steps, porticoes, and canals show the meticulous care with which Roman architects harnessed the power of the earth, flanking the original structure with a second facility equipped with artificial heating for the calidarium and frigidarium pathways.
The atmosphere of the place retains an untouched charm, where the contrast between carved stones and natural vapors evokes the memory of an era when healing waters attracted travelers from every corner of the island. Visiting the Aquae Ypsitanae means immersing oneself in a living history that has flowed uninterrupted for two thousand years, a silent witness to the encounter between the wild force of nature and the greatness of Roman engineering.
