TERMINI IMERESE, PALERMO

TERMINI IMERESE - Situated midway along the coast between Cefalu and Palermo, this resort has bound its history to the presence of hot water springs already used in ancient times, as suggested by the town's Latin name, Thermae Himerenses.

Remains of Roman buildings are visible in the garden of Villa Palmieri, which commands a beautiful view of the eastern coast of the Gulf of Termini; not far away are the traces of an amphitheatre, but all that survives of this building are a few ruins of the cavea and some pillars.

Also in the vicinity is the church of Santa Caterina, dating from the 14th century and with frescoed interiors. Via Garibaldi, one of the main thoroughfares in the centre, leads to Piazza Duomo.

Named after San Nicola di Bari, the cathedral here was entirely rebuilt in the 17th century and presents a facade adorned on the sides with 16th-century statues of saints; the interior has a Latin cross plan with a nave and two aisles.

Other local attractions are the Civic Museum and the baroque church of Santa Maria della Misericordia, which has a fine 15th-century triptych depicting the Madonna and Child. A magnificent view of the town, coast and nearby Mt Calogero can be enjoyed from Belvedere Principe Umberto. Standing side by side on Piazza delle Terme are the old spa and the new Grande Albergo delle Terme, both erected on the, still existing, ruins of old Roman and Arab spa structures.