Rivers and numerous spas in an area between the Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana, closely linked to the waters that have always provided mankind with optimal conditions for life.
The Via Francigena itself, not coincidentally, wound its way past the steaming pool of Bagno Vignoni and the limestone cliffs of Bagni San Filippo: places, even then, frequented by illustrious figures and countless pilgrims. Each area, however, has a direct connection to the thermal springs: traces of ancient spas have been found almost everywhere, such as in San Casciano dei Bagni and, of course, in Chianciano, as demonstrated by the significant finds from a Roman-era bathhouse and an Etruscan temple dedicated to a deity of “healthy waters,” now preserved in the city’s archaeological museum.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, interest in thermal baths waned throughout the Early Middle Ages, only to return in the 14th century. It remained vibrant and unchanged over time, as evidenced by the numerous facilities built around the springs. Fellini himself developed hotels, parks, shops, and entertainment venues around the Acqua Santa and Sant’Elena springs, immortalizing Chianciano Terme in his film Otto e mezzo.

Just three kilometers from Chianciano, in the hamlet of Sant’Albino, we find the Terme di Montepulciano,
at the forefront of research and the application of thermal treatments. Moving finally to the
Valdichiana, we find the sulfurous waters of Rapolano and finally the gigantic thermal pool of Sarteano.