San Casciano dei Bagni
Welcome to San Casciano dei Bagni!
Hello everyone and welcome to San Casciano dei Bagni, a small town located in the beautiful region of Tuscany. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing place to spend a few days immersed in nature, then you are in the right place!
Physical geography
San Casciano dei Bagni is located on a hill 582 meters above sea level and is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. A short distance away are the Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana, famous for their beauty and their typical products such as wine and oil. Mount Amiata, one of the most suggestive places in Tuscany, is also near San Casciano dei Bagni and perfect for hiking and walks in nature.
But that's not all, because near San Casciano dei Bagni there are also two splendid lakes: Lake Trasimeno in Umbria and Lake Bolsena in Lazio. How about a boat excursion or a relaxing day on the beach?
History
The history of San Casciano dei Bagni is linked to its thermal waters: 42 springs with an average temperature of 40°C and a total flow of about 5.5 million liters of water per day. San Casciano is third in Europe for thermal water flow, and it is easy to understand why this resource has been so important for the country in past centuries.
According to tradition, the "Bagni Chiusini" were founded by the Etruscan Lucumone of Chiusi Porsenna and were appreciated and frequented by the Romans for the effectiveness of the waters and their proximity to Rome and the Via Cassia. Among the illustrious visitors of the Roman era we remember the emperor Octavian Augustus and Triaria, the wife of the emperor Vitellio.
During the Middle Ages, San Casciano was subject to feudal domination by the Visconti di Campiglia and was influenced by the Abbey of San Salvatore and the ancient Diocese of Montepulciano-Chiusi-Pienza di Chiusi. Traces of the first church dedicated to S. Maria "ad Balneo" dating back to the 4th-5th century have been preserved.
What to see and do
San Casciano dei Bagni is a perfect place for those seeking relaxation and tranquility, but it also offers numerous activities and attractions.
The first thing to do is certainly to visit the ancient thermal baths and take a bath in the healing waters that have made the city famous. You can choose from different spa facilities, all modern and equipped with every comfort.
But San Casciano also offers numerous naturalistic and cultural attractions. You can visit the Castle of Fighine, an ancient medieval castle that dominates the valley, or stroll along the narrow streets of the historic center, where you can admire the Church of Santa Maria ad Balneo.
In San Casciano dei Bagni, there is no shortage of outdoor activities such as trekking, horse riding, and mountain biking. You can also take a tour of Mount Amiata or rent a boat for a day at Lake Trasimeno or Lake Bolsena.
Cuisine and typical products
The cuisine of San Casciano dei Bagni is based on typical Tuscan products such as Chianina beef, wild boar, and Sienese pork sausage. Among the typical dishes are also ribollita (a vegetable soup), pappa al pomodoro (a tomato and bread soup), and ricotta cake.
But the real specialty of San Casciano is the extra virgin olive oil, produced from the numerous olive trees that grow in the area. You can buy this precious oil directly from local producers or in typical shops in the historic center.
Conclusion
San Casciano dei Bagni is a charming place, perfect for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. Its thermal waters, natural beauties, and numerous historical and cultural attractions make it an ideal destination for a holiday in Tuscany. And don't forget to taste the extra virgin olive oil!
We look forward to welcoming you to San Casciano dei Bagni!
