The
hills framing Saturnia
The Maremma, South Tuscany halfway between Monte Argentario and Monte Amiata
Saturnia
itself is a charming medieval village and the surrounding, unspoiled
hills are filled with olive groves and woodlands and rich with
Etruscan remains. It is about an hour and a half from Rome,
an hour from Siena, and a half-hour to the sea. The area has at
present gained a reputation for the high standard of its restaurants
and trattorie.
At the foot of the hill lies a warm water spa 98.6°
F degree (37°C) famous for its therapeutic qualities.
Just outside from the medieval town walls the countryside
spreads out: here you can take easy wonderfool walks through the
perfumed Mediterranean bushes along the Albegna river.
Longer
walks might take you to Sovana, Sorano, Pitigliano. You may see
the sea the distance, framed by the natural park of Mounts of
the Uccellina and Monte Argentario. From Porto S.Stefano a daily
ferry connects to Giglio and Giannutri islands; not far away are
the seaside resorts of Ansedonia and Porto Ercole.
Saturnia
and its Spa
The
southwestern part of Tuscany is known as the Maremma. The region
rolls from the steep slopes of Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano
reaching the wooded heights of 1738 m., down to the Tyrrhenian
Sea.The climate here is very mild; almond trees start blooming
in February. Ancient Etruscan settlements and tombs dot the landscape
and some of Tuscany's most intriguing towns adorn the hilltops.
The coast itself offers gentle beaches, natural areas, hills for
hiking, fishing villages, resort towns.
The
legend holds that an angry Saturn hurled a lightning bolt into
the ground here, causing warm, sulphurous waters to gush forth
from the crater of a volcano. Better documented are Etruscan tales
of the spring, thus dating Saturnia's origins as far back as at
least 2800 years ago. In modern times, a thermal spa harnesses
the "miraculous properties" of the water before it all flows nearly
a mile away into a waterfall in the open countryside. Spa entrance
tickets are obtainable through our own management on the basis
of an agreement with "Terme di Saturnia"
