Alla Italia, Belgium

On a busy Belgium street, the spectacular Alla Italia hides behind an unassumingly plain facade. The large but comparatively modest exterior hides a classic European lost place. The spa was built in the second half of the 19th Century, tapping into a thermal spring that had been used since at least the 1300s. The spring water is said to increase fertility, and so it has been frequented for centuries by newlyweds. Since this spa opened, thousands of affluent Belgians would have bathed and been treated here annually. The inside is heavily inspired by French Neo-Renaissance and Italian architecture, featuring lavishly painted ceilings and decorated marble columns. Alla Italia closed down in the early 21st Century when a more modern facility opened up nearby.

The grand entrance hall of Alla Italia is breath-taking. After several failed attempts to get inside over the last two years, I was very excited to finally step foot inside these hallowed halls. This reception area features a neo-baroque ceiling, which extends two stories tall and is overlooked by a mezzanine balcony. Tall marble columns support this balcony and the second floor. Accents and motifs are painted on columns and carved marble, featuring roses and other floral-themed decoration. Marble busts holding tridents recline casually above the doors leading to treatment rooms.

The vaulted ceiling is coffered, each segment featuring an identical painting of a golden vase filled with flowers. These appear to be canvas paintings inserted into the ceiling, as opposed to true fresco paintings. Several can be seen to be creased, and one has a torn corner which is hanging freely. At the centre of the ceiling is a painting featuring a trident-bearing man, and a woman sitting on rocks or a large seashell. Cherubs sit beside her, two are flying above while holding onto her long pink scarf. This appears to be painted directly onto the ceiling plaster.

A side room features another painted ceiling, this time featuring cherubs pulling a woman in some kind of chariot. This again is mimicking the Italian fresco style.