The town centre is predominantly filled with a Roman Bath with pretty little shops and... read more
The town centre is predominantly filled with a Roman Bath with pretty little shops and... read more
It’s a free spa under the sky where you can go. Water is warm and you can put natural thermal muds... read more
We visited as a day trip from Montepulciano on a 40 degree day seeking a relaxing dip in the thermal pools. First a word of warning on following Google maps as from Montepulciano it will direct you down a very steep and winding gravel track just before Monticchiello- not an impossible drive just not for the faint-hearted or those with small engines!
We parked in the large free public parking a little way down the hill from the the main village which then required a short uphill walk on gravel to the village itself. There was a smaller car park further up. It is a small village dominated by hotels offering thermal spas and whilst I'm sure they are great, if you're looking for a free alternative there is a free public pool. From the beautiful pool piazza walk towards the mill park (by the small car park) to see the spring come out over a waterfall, to the left there is a set of steps down to the public pool. It is perhaps 2ft deep and a cool but not cold temperature on a hot day, there is not much shade or room to sit around it although the white clay on the pool floor is a great natural sun block. From here the more adventurous can climb up the rock following the water to the waterfall which my brother tells me provides a wonderful view. Further down the steps there is another pool although no one was swimming here and it was far less inviting. There is also a small car park down here accessible by a narrow gravel track off Strada Bagno Vigoni.
The natural sulfurous muddy pool is at the bottom of the limestone formation. It's a bit hidden and not directly accessible from the paved road or the public parking area on top. Walk down the gravel road before the parking area and you'll find it easily. It's worth taking a dip in the pool!
Mainly undiscovered, unspoilt thermal spa village, absolutely amazing. No charge to see the main thermal bath in the centre of the village, the mediaeval mill ruins or the the thermal waterfall, nor to use the thermal pool below the waterfall. Of course, if you prefer you can use the thermal pools within the spas or hotels there, for which there is a charge. Utterly charming place with quite a few cafes, restaurants etc for food and drink and one or two shops to browse, if the surroundings are not enough!
An history trip into milling and water wheels from the Middle Ages. Very enjoyable and informative! The varios mills served the grain grinding needs of The Valley and were still in use until modern times! Very ingenious and practical use of water and gravity!
We came here as part of our Heart of Tuscany driving tour. Found it to be lacking in many ways, especially after visiting other Tuscan towns. The town needs better signage and some direction on what to see, like getting to the hot springs below the town. Left to our own devise left is looking for more and wanting to visit another town. Wouldn't recommend the visit.
The entire town is a pleasant place to explore for a couple hours. I rather liked the wire mesh sculptures that surrounded the hot bath and dotted the town too...