San Casciano dei Bagni is a town around 70kms southeast of Siena, and it has always been renowned for its hot thermal waters, with over 40 natural springs gushing out around 5.5 million liters of hot water every day!
The Etruscans knew and enjoyed these waters but it was the Romans, enthusiastics devotees of thermal waters, that really developed the town and the baths. There are archeological and architectural traces of the Romans in the area, and recently a very exciting find really brought their presence to life, when around two dozen well-preserved bronze statues were found in the mud of an ancient Roman hot pool.
After the Roman period the thermal baths continued to attract visitors from all over Europe, attracted by the possibility of solving their ailments thanks to the properties of the waters of San Casciano.
What to see in San Casciano dei Bagni
You can still visit Thermal Baths in San Casciano dei Bagni, from free open air ones like the Terme del Bagno Grande or Bagno Bossolo,
to more luxurious Spas like Fonteverde, just a few minutes from San Casciano dei Bagni, where you can be pampered with a massage or a visit to the Turkish baths. The elegant spa and 5-star resort overlooks valleys hills towards Lazio and Umbria. Formed from a Medici portico built in the 17th century by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de 'Medici, it has thermal pools fed by hot natural springs rich in healing properties.
Over the centuries aristocrats from all over Europe have visited the waters to treat all types of ailments, and this steady flow of international, upper-class visitors has left some beautiful examples of architecture in the town, with some of the buildings’ facades vaunting remarkable decorations.
Where to eat near San Casciano dei Bagni
Try Ristorante Daniela in the town itself, or, just a short way north-east, try the Locanda Quattro Vesta.
Nearby the village of Celle sul Rigo is well worth a visit in its own right, but a meal in the Trattoria La Pace makes for a wonderful stop.
A short drive south will take you into the region of Lazio and to the village of Trevinano which is host to a Michelin starred delight, the restaurant La Parolina.
Where to stay near San Casciano dei Bagni
If you'd like to spend some time in this area and explore the many hill villages, sample the restaurants and relax in the hot baths, we have some ideas for you:
Cellevista is a sweet private villa for 4 just on the edge of Celle sul Rigo, a village with a good restaurant, a grocery store and a baker. With its own private pool overlooking fabulous Tuscan views, this a great place to stay near San Casciano dei Bagni.
For a little more space, try Aceronina, a wonderful villa in an converted Tuscan farm building with ample space for 6 guests and a swimming pool.
To see more places to stay, have a look at the entire list here: