Termini Imerese, Italy

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ancient town of Himera. Its name of Termini (thermai in Greek) is attributable to the hot springs (temperature 42°C/108°F), known since ancient times. In addition to the baths the town boasts a busy harbor and considerable industry, including an oil refinery and chemical and food factories.

History

In olden days the town was a Sicanan settlement which almost certainly had trade links with the nearby Greek town of Himera and after disaster struck the latter in 409 B.C. it took in the few survivors. Since then, first in Greek, then Roman and later in more recent times, the town has in turn been named Thermai Himeraiai, Thermae Himerenses and now Termini Imerese. The spa enjoyed its heyday in the Roman period, and was also popular with the Saracens and Normans.