Thermal Resorts

The area lacks rivers and thus has a real obsession with water, while it is so well endowed with thermal springs to the point that it boasts an impressive concentration of thermal resorts.

As a result of Siena’s ancient water problem, a remedy was sought even in medieval times, when the ingenious underground aqueduct known as the “bottini” was constructed. Here water has always been considered an essential commodity, as confirmed by the austere protection afforded its municipal wells by impenetrable walls and merlons. Siena’s perennial thirst even led to the creation of a legend narrating the existence of an underground river called la Diana. Since the Etruscan times people had learned to direct and exploit water as part of their religious traditions. Each municipality is linked to a thermal spring. Ruins of ancient thermal baths have been found scattered throughout the territory, such as at San Casciano dei Bagni and naturally at Chianciano, where the archaeological museum (called the “water museum”) displays a collection of artifacts primarily from a Roman thermal structure and an Etruscan temple dedicated to a divinity of healthful waters such as Chianciano Terme, Rapolano, Sarteano, San Casciano dei Bagni, Bagno Vignoni, Galleraie, i San Filippo, etc.

Bagno Vignoni is maybe the well-known resort area, known for its hot spring spa (40 C°). You can enjoy a well-earned dip after the fatigues of shopping, cooking and sightseeing.

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