Bagno Vignoni: the Thermal Baths
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Bagno Vignoni and the Val d'Orcia
Bagno Vignoni is an ancient village, famous for its hot water
spas, which can be visited within the Val d'Orcia Natural Park.
The Etruscans and, subsequently, the Romans already frequented
the area of Bagno Vignoni and it was the latter who developed a
curative and social idea of thermal waters.
The presence of Roman baths, consecrated "to the gods and the
sacred nymphs of the bath", is testified by the inscription
placed inside the spa by Lucio Trebonio Paterno. The period of
greatest prestige of the baths of Bagno Vignoni is to be traced
back to the phase of government by the Sienese state.
Baths of Bagno Vignoni
what to see in Val d'OrciaStarting from the medieval basin located in the center of piazza delle Sorgenti, the hot thermal water is the protagonist of the history and nature of Bagno Vignoni. It's the place where the first houses began to rise, accompanied by inns and the church of S. Giovanni Battista (a must see). Bagno Vignoni is rich in history and its free hot water spas were appreciated by the de 'Medici family, but also by personalities such as Pope Pius II and Catherine of Siena. What to see in Bagno Vignoni? You will understand it only by taking a walk through the narrow streets of the center, immersed in its fairytale atmosphere.
The Park of the Mills
the tubs of hot waterHot water flows from the main pool which - through a maze of open sky rivulets and waterfalls - flows into an ancient structure characterized by the remains of four 12th century mills, used all year round, thanks to the constant gushing of water from the thermal spring. The hot water flows into huge pools located under the hill, in an area called Parco dei Mulini and, it runs through Bagno Vignoni inside small canals where people enjoy to dip their feet! These free thermal waters have been used since ancient times, thanks to the proximity of the Via Francigena, the road traveled by pilgrims on their way to Rome.
Spa treatments
from the hot water to the walksTo enjoy the benefits of this water, Bagno Vignoni offers various well-equipped spas for mud treatments, whirlpools and much more. Thermal therapy as a medical practice has been widely documented, so I recommend you to visit one of the Bagno Vignoni facilities and to enjoy the benefits of the hot water which, in this area, flows at around 52 degrees. In addition to the free hot water spas, Bagno Vignoni offers, for the hiking lovers, some nature trails, including the “Bagno Vignoni ring”, which in some places is tiring but it will offer a priceless glimpse of the Val d'Orcia.
THE VILLAGES OF VAL D'ORCIA
From Bagno Vignoni to S. Quirico
A stone's throw from Bagno Vignoni, in the heart of the Val
d'Orcia, there is an ancient village of Etruscan origin,
immersed in a bucolic landscape: San Quirico. The splendid
fortresses, the medieval churches, the harmony of the
countryside are the things to see and visit once you arrive in
San Quirico: do not miss the Collegiate Church of Santi Quirico
and Giuditta, a Romanesque building whose first records date
back to the VIII century.
Also worth a visit are the Horti Leonini, an Italian Renaissance
garden designed by Diomede Leoni around 1540, with a statue of
Cosimo III de 'Medici in the center. The village rises along the
route of the Via Francigena, represents the meeting point
between the 35th and 36th stages of the route, and still hosts
the Scala Hospital where hospitality was offered to traveling
pilgrims.
Near Bagno Vignoni we find:
ROUTES IN VAL D'ORCIA
The territory of Bagno Vignoni
The village of Buonconvento
The name of the village derives from the Latin “Bonus Conventus”, which means happy, lucky place: it is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit, in the center of the Val d'Orcia. The town developed during the 12th century. on the route of the Via Francigena and, immediately, the geographical position and the market activities made it a very important center for Siena. Visiting Buonconvento allows you to immerse yourself in a relaxing atmosphere. The village is surrounded by red brick, solid walls, churches and towers and it was recognized in the one Association of the most beatiful villages of Italy “Borghi più Belli d'Italia”. What to see in Buonconvento? Let yourself be surprised.
Montalcino - Val d'Orcia
Dominating the Orcia's Valley, the medieval village of Montalcino immediately reveals its ancient military structure: narrow and steep streets, ancient walls and a mighty Fortress dating back to 1361. Montalcino is known for the production of one of the most famous wines in the world: the Brunello. From the mid-nineteenth century, some winemakers began using indigenous Sangiovese grapes, obtaining a wine with long aging. A visit to the local wineries, with wine tasting and tasting of local products, will leave an indelible memory of your holiday. The Diocesan Civic Museum of Sacred Art worth a visit! Its rich collections of paintings and wooden sculptures from the Sienese school will let you totally amazed.
Monte Oliveto Abbey
Not far from Bagno Vignoni, among the countryside, you can meet the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. A splendid monastic complex of 1313, built when the Sienese nobleman called Giovanni de 'Tolomei, together with Patrizio Patrizi and Ambrogio Piccolomini, decided to retire to monastic life in a remote estate family's. The Abbey was recognized as a congregation by the bishop of Arezzo, Guido Tarlati Pietramala, and decided to belong to the Benedictine Order following the rule known as "ora et labora" (pray and work). Even today, the visit to the Abbey is marked by the succession of the typical monastic life, with rigid opening and closing times, masses and Gregorian chants.
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