Saturnia
Saturnia: A Wonder of Tuscany
If you are looking for a tourist destination where you can spend your holidays in complete relaxation and immersed in nature, then Saturnia is the perfect place for you. This hamlet of Manciano, in the province of Grosseto, is located in the heart of Maremma Tuscany and is renowned especially for its therapeutic hot springs.
But Saturnia is not only that: its millenary history and monuments make it an equally interesting destination for lovers of art and culture. In this article, I will talk about the natural and artistic beauties of Saturnia, so as to let you discover everything that this wonderful place has to offer.
Physical geography
Saturnia rises on a plateau of travertine at 294 meters above sea level, on the left bank of the Albegna River. It is located in the heart of the Albegna and Fiora Hills, in the Maremma Grossetana, just 56 kilometers from Grosseto and 14 kilometers from the municipal capital.
This privileged position makes it easily accessible from any part of Italy, both by car and by train. Moreover, the nearby Natural Park of Maremma offers many opportunities to visit the area and spend some time immersed in nature.
History
Saturnia's history dates back to ancient times when the territory was frequented since the Bronze Age. Later on, the territory was inhabited by the Etruscans, as evidenced by the remains of several necropolises dating back to the 8th century BC.
During the Roman period, the village followed the fortunes of Vulci, until in the 3rd century BC, after the conquest of the Vulcese territory by Rome, Saturnia was elevated to an administrative and prefecture seat, and then colonized in 183 BC.
In the Middle Ages, Saturnia was governed by the Aldobrandeschi counts and was contested by Orvieto and Siena until 1299, when the city was destroyed by the Senese during an attack against Margherita Aldobrandeschi. In the 14th century, it was taken over by the Orvietans, then by the Baschi of Montemerano and finally by the Orsini of Pitigliano. In 1410, Saturnia was definitively conquered by Siena, remaining subject to the city of the Palio until 1593 when the Medici feuded it to the Marquis Ximenes d'Aragona.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the most important monuments of Saturnia, we find the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, mentioned in Pope Clement III's privilege of 1188. The church has undergone some renovations over the centuries, but inside it retains works of art of great value, such as the painting of the Madonna and Child with Saints Sebastian and Mary Magdalene by Benvenuto di Giovanni, dating back to the years between 1475 and 1485.
Another place of interest is the Aldobrandesca Castle, built at the end of the 12th century by the Aldobrandeschi counts and rebuilt by the Senese in the 15th century. Today it houses the Ciacci Castle, built by the corresponding family in neo-medieval style.
The Saturnia Hot Springs
In addition to the historical monuments, Saturnia is famous above all for its hot springs with therapeutic properties. The water that flows from the springs at 37°C contains a large quantity of sulfur and other mineral salts, which have a beneficial effect on the skin and respiratory system.
The Saturnia hot springs have been frequented since ancient times and are still a much-appreciated destination for those who want to spend some time in total relaxation. There are several thermal facilities in the area, each of which offers services and comforts to suit all tastes.
Conclusions
In summary, Saturnia is a destination in the Maremma Tuscany that offers much both from a historical and naturalistic point of view. Its hot springs, in particular, make it a much-appreciated destination for tourists from all over the world.
If you are looking for a place to spend your holidays in total relaxation and immersed in nature, I recommend visiting Saturnia. Here you will find historical monuments, natural beauties, and the famous hot springs with therapeutic properties. See you soon in Saturnia!
