Bathing in nature's splendour
Although the volcano Amiata is officially an extinct volcano, the interior of this mountain is still very active and the numerous thermal baths that are fed by it's hot underground streams stand as a testament to the volcano's bubbling core. Hot thermal water has gushed from the earth in various points within the radius of Mount Amiata for thousands of years and these beautiful and totally natural thermal baths have been used and even worshipped by Early Etruscans, Romans and Pagans alike for many many centuries. Both the thermal spa towns of Saturnia and Bagno Vignoni were inhabited by the Romans, who built elaborate baths in which the water could be enjoyed and these can still be seen to this day.
BAGNI SAN FILIPPO
Bagni San Filippo can claim to possess a thermal water, so special that it is ranked third in Europe , both for its exceptional mineral qualities and temperature ( a steady 37°C). The water at Bagni San Filippo is rich in magnesium, sulphur and calcium and provides the perfect break from enjoying the pursuit of your chosen hobby. One can decide to bathe free of charge in the woods of Bagni San Filippo (Fosso bianco) or utilise the modern facilities of the hotel's swimming pool, where there is a bar, changing rooms and toilets. Bagni San Filippo is just 10 minutes away from Palazzo Cervini by car and is , in my opinion, the best of all of of the thermal water in Tuscany!
BAGNO VIGNONI
Bagno Vignoni is a charming town built around the ancient Roman baths that can still be seen in the centre of town, surrounded by charming world class restaurants and breathtaking views of the surrounding Val d'Orcia. Although these ancient baths are no longer in use, the thermal water can still be enjoyed at the local swimming pool which is open to the public at reasonable fees. Health and beauty treatments are also available at the local Adler Hotel. Bagno Vignoni is easy to reach from Palazzo Cervini and takes just 20 minutes by car.
SATURNIA
The small village of Saturnia can be found hidden away amongst the rolling hills of the famous Maremma region, in Grosseto. The Etruscans were there and later also the Romans, who gave the town the name Saturnia in the period they occupied it and used the baths for socialising and for its healing properties. The town can also boast some wonderful art pieces, architecture and churches but Saturnia's main attraction is really its thermal water that can be in enjoyed in the plush thermal spa or the more natural cascade, known as the 'Molino' (water mill). Entrance is free to this series of natural jacuzzis that have formed under a thermal waterfall over thousands of years. This natural spectacle is set in glorious countryside and just a short distance from the village of Saturnia. The hour and a half drive through beautiful countryside, passing Etruscan Necropolis and wineries to arrive at Saturnia from the volcano Amiata is well worth it for the natural and cultural experience that Saturnia offers.
