One of the most photogenic and photographed attractions in the Tuscan countryside is probably the distinctive and memorable steaming cascades of the naturally-occurring thermal pools and waterfalls in the town of Saturnia and for good reason. One of the most charming and beautiful spa towns in Italy, it is an excellent destination for those who want to enjoy the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Tuscany, all while battling those daily aches and pains, relaxing, unwinding, and recuperating during your vacation. Just browse our vacation rentals in Saturnia and come have a spa getaway in this lovely Tuscan town!
Located in the Maremma area of Tuscany, atop a hill, the town of Saturnia has ancient origins and is noted by a Greek historian from 60BC as being inhabited by pre-classical populations of Greece. The name of the town is also rather old and, according to medieval legend, was so named as it was formed by lightning bolts, thrown by Jupiter during a fight with the mythological deity Saturn. These lightning bolts left scars in the earth that were portals to hell and from which steamy waters gushed out, creating the distinct and magical landscape, filled with incredible thermal pools, for which Saturnia is now so famous, according to these tales.
Located in the Maremma area of Tuscany, atop a hill, the town of Saturnia has ancient origins and is noted by a Greek historian from 60BC as being inhabited by pre-classical populations of Greece. The name of the town is also rather old and, according to medieval legend, was so named as it was formed by lightning bolts, thrown by Jupiter during a fight with the mythological deity Saturn. These lightning bolts left scars in the earth that were portals to hell and from which steamy waters gushed out, creating the distinct and magical landscape, filled with incredible thermal pools, for which Saturnia is now so famous, according to these tales.
No matter how they were made, however, the thermal springs of Saturnia are pretty extraordinary. Especially the oft-photographed and incredibly famous sulphurous waters of the Cascate del Mulino, which is located a little under 6km outside the town. A body of water that is made up of a series of waterfalls and natural pools of warm thermal water between each fall, the Cascate are a particular must as they are not only lovely but are also open to the public and free throughout the entire year. At a constant temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius, these waters are rich in mineral deposits, especially sulphur which gives it a slightly "eggy" smell.
Composed of a sulphurous-carbonic, sulphate-bicarbonate-alkaline mineral water, the thermal springs boast both therapeutic and relaxing properties that were well-known by the Etruscans and later the Romans, who saw them as a gift from the gods and used them for their healing powers. However, when the medieval stories emerged of them being pits to hell, the springs fell out of favour. This was then compounded by the fact that the town became a hideout for outlaws in the 1300s and fell to ruin. In the 16th century, the town became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and, eventually, locals and visitors alike rediscovered the charms and benefits of the springs.
The springs then became an important industry in the town and the locals constructed a well-maintained resort. In the years since, various wellness and spa centres have popped up in town. The Cascate del Mulino and the other thermal waterfall, the Cascate del Gorello, remain popular among visitors, however, despite the elaborate facilities that are boasted by the resorts as they are free, have no opening hours to adhere to, and are rather scenic and special creations.
If you are staying in the area for any length of time, though, you may want to try out both the naturally-occurring and the luxuriously manmade thermal experiences at the spas and wellness centres, as each has their own benefits. In particular, you might want to enjoy some thermal treatments for certain medical conditions (to help treat respiratory conditions, to heal arthritis, for joint pain and burns, and to treat skin conditions with the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of thermal waters) or to come try out additional spa treatments offered at many facilities such as facials, massages, and more. Just find your holiday rental in Saturnia today and plan a perfectly relaxing getaway in Tuscany.
Composed of a sulphurous-carbonic, sulphate-bicarbonate-alkaline mineral water, the thermal springs boast both therapeutic and relaxing properties that were well-known by the Etruscans and later the Romans, who saw them as a gift from the gods and used them for their healing powers. However, when the medieval stories emerged of them being pits to hell, the springs fell out of favour. This was then compounded by the fact that the town became a hideout for outlaws in the 1300s and fell to ruin. In the 16th century, the town became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and, eventually, locals and visitors alike rediscovered the charms and benefits of the springs.
The springs then became an important industry in the town and the locals constructed a well-maintained resort. In the years since, various wellness and spa centres have popped up in town. The Cascate del Mulino and the other thermal waterfall, the Cascate del Gorello, remain popular among visitors, however, despite the elaborate facilities that are boasted by the resorts as they are free, have no opening hours to adhere to, and are rather scenic and special creations.
If you are staying in the area for any length of time, though, you may want to try out both the naturally-occurring and the luxuriously manmade thermal experiences at the spas and wellness centres, as each has their own benefits. In particular, you might want to enjoy some thermal treatments for certain medical conditions (to help treat respiratory conditions, to heal arthritis, for joint pain and burns, and to treat skin conditions with the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of thermal waters) or to come try out additional spa treatments offered at many facilities such as facials, massages, and more. Just find your holiday rental in Saturnia today and plan a perfectly relaxing getaway in Tuscany.
Photo credit: qwesy qwesy / CC BY-SA 3.0
