Saturnia Hot Springs: Inside Italy’s Best Spa Town
Experience Tuscany’s best-kept secret.
South of the magnificent architecture of Tuscany and past the rolling hills of Siena lies the small town of Saturnia. With a population of under 300, Saturnia may fly under the radar of the average travelers looking to experience Tuscany’s usual tourist traps. Among locals, however, the town has been frequented for centuries for its famed hot springs, known as the Terme di Saturnia.
Saturnia’s History and Hot Springs
Saturnia’s history dates back to at least the 4th century BC when it was first inhabited by the Etruscans. The town’s natural hot springs quickly became coveted for their beauty and healing properties and were frequented by locals and outside visitors alike. The Romans, who also recognized the healing properties of the waters, later colonized the town. They renamed “Saturnia” after Saturn, the Roman god of peace and renewal. One legend has it that Saturn, disillusioned with mankind’s endless wars, sent a thunderbolt down to earth, creating an enchanted hot spring that would bring peace to any who bathed in its waters. Another suggests that, during a quarrel, Jupiter (the Roman god of thunder) threw a lightning bolt at Saturn. The bolt missed and struck Saturnia, opening the ground and creating the formations from which the springs emerge.
If you’ve visited Saturnia on one of our Tuscany Wellness Adventures it probably doesn't come as a surprise that the Romans believed the hot springs were created by a deity. The waters of the hot springs, which flow southward underground from the 5700-foot lava dome peak of Mount Amiata for 40 years before emerging in cascading waterfalls, are some of the most pristine and relaxing in all of Italy. The minerals in Saturnia’s hot springs are believed to help various skin ailments, as well as soothe the muscles and alleviate respiratory issues.
In addition to the healing benefits, Saturnia's hot springs are also renowned for their rejuvenating properties, which can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The natural minerals in the hot springs are thought to help nourish the skin, making it softer and more radiant.
Hot Springs at the Terme di Saturnia Resort at night (source).
Already known for its hot springs, the 19th-century construction of the renowned Terme di Saturnia Resort elevated Saturnia’s reputation as a mecca of sorts among spa-towns. A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, Terme Di Saturnia Spa & Hotel offers one of the world’s most unique luxury wellness opportunities, a five-star hotel with a world-renowned spa and on-site ancient Roman bath. Its Spa, home to 53 unique treatment rooms, is among the largest in the world and has been consistently recognized as one of the best in the world.
While the hotel’s hot springs are reserved for guests, the nearby Cascate del Mulino is open to the general public. A popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors alike, the Cascate is fed by a natural thermal spring, creating a series of breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the falls from the nearby walkways and bridges, as well as enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal baths. The area around the Cascate del Mulino is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, from wild boars to hedgehogs, foxes, and even wolves.
While Tuscany may be best known among foreigners for its arts, the town of Saturnia and its hot springs have helped put the region on the map as a hot spot for wellness-focused travelers. On our flagship Tuscany Wellness Adventure, guests are able to experience all that Tuscany has to offer, from access to the exclusive hot springs of the Terme di Saturnia Resort to private yoga instruction in the rolling hills of the Crete Senesi.
Planning to travel to Tuscany? Click here to download our trip itinerary for free or schedule a call with guest services below!
