Studio Apostoli Designs the New Thermal Park in Civitavecchia
Four distinct thematic zones define the ambitious new Thermal Park in Civitavecchia, a project developed for the Sensi family and Terme dei Papi S.p.A. Marking a key milestone in the socio-economic revitalisation of the Lazio region, the park is positioned to become a new centre for wellness and cultural tourism.
A tribute to classical heritage and a celebration of wellbeing, the New Thermal Park is more than a destination – it is a strategic investment in the region’s future. Owned by Terme dei Papi S.p.A., a company operated by the Sensi family and active in the wellness sector since the early 1990s, the park covers approximately 26,000 square metres. The site comprises a large outdoor area arranged across three terraces, designed to follow the land’s natural contours, alongside an architectural complex that revitalises the historic rural structure known as Casale dei Bagni.
The project expresses a shared commitment between Studio Apostoli and the Sensi family: to preserve the site’s distinctive identity while enhancing its natural topography, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Designed to attract an international clientele – supported by Civitavecchia’s port and its annual traffic of over 3.5 million visitors – the park has been conceived as a high-profile destination for global wellness tourism.
The regeneration of the area, alongside the enhancement of the landscape and the projected economic spin-offs, acts as a catalyst for circular economy development and a virtuous example of public–private synergy. The northern boundary of the new thermal destination directly borders the Terme Taurine, a Roman archaeological site dating back to the Republican era and now state-owned. The New Thermal Park becomes its ideal continuation and a driver for renewed tourist numbers.
Studio Apostoli’s design offers a contemporary reimagining of the Roman era through four overarching themes – Mare Nostrum, The Eastern Provinces, The Great North, and Imperial Rome. These form the foundation of an immersive, multi-sensory visitor experience, expressed through sculpted pathways, aromatic trails, and panoramic viewing points that harmonise with the surrounding terrain. Materials, construction methods, and native plant species were all selected to honour the genius loci, ensuring that the development integrates seamlessly into its natural and historical setting.
The park comprises 14 pools, spanning a total of 1,440 square metres and 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.
The visitor experience begins with Mare Nostrum, which includes the restored Casale dei Bagni. Linked to the upper terrace by a pergola, this area features 32°C thermal pools, ornamental fountains, and a leisure zone enhanced by dramatic evening lighting. In The Eastern Provinces, circular structures inspired by the layout of the Oracle of Delphi house hammams, lounge spaces, and support areas. These surround pools of varying temperatures and salinity, designed for rest, recovery, and relaxation. The Great North offers a contrast of thermal experiences, including a Kneipp circuit, a panoramic Finnish sauna, and cold (16°C) and hot (40°C) plunge pools. The journey concludes with Imperial Rome, where thermal and non-thermal pools, multi-level waterfalls, and a refined lounge bar create a contemporary homage to Roman grandeur.
“This project is deeply significant,” says architect Alberto Apostoli. “Together with the Sensi family, we’ve built a collaborative relationship grounded in a shared understanding of the territory and a deep commitment to wellness. Our goal was to develop a masterplan capable of synthesising all the necessary elements. The New Thermal Park is both a continuation of the area’s history and a projection of the future of wellness tourism. Throughout the process, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – outlined in the 2030 Agenda – have served as a clear and consistent framework for our decisions.”
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project. The park is equipped with advanced rainwater harvesting systems, state-of-the-art low-visibility photovoltaic panels, and uses neutral-toned materials to avoid disrupting avian migration routes. More than 500 new plantings of native Mediterranean species further strengthen the ecological value of the site.
The masterplan was formally presented on 18 July in Civitavecchia, in front of an audience that included journalists, investors, professionals from the architecture and wellness sectors, and members of the local community.