Few people know that Tuscany has an abundant supply of natural thermal baths and hot springs. Enormously restorative, these waters were formed under specific geologic conditions and are rich in sulphur, hydrogen sulphide and sulphates, and as such are used to treat all manner of ailments. The medical use of the region's waters, known as balneotherapy, goes back to Etruscan and Roman times where they were regarded as one of the district's greatest luxuries. Pope Pius II travelled all the way to Petrilo to partake, while Lorenzo de Medici favoured the Bagni San Fillipe. Once the domain of the rich, today many of the springs are contained in bath houses that also offer massage, natural mud baths and beauty treatments, and are now visited by a cross section of society seeking relief from their everyday aches and pains, bad circulation or just a hangover. Indeed, such were the beneficial properties of Tuscany's spa's that they were named 'Acqua Santa', or sacred water.
Rapolano Terme
Approximately 45 minutes South East of Vercenni, Rapolano is where Baroque sculptors, such as Bernini the creator of Rome's Piazza Navona, found their travertine stone. Of more use to the humble traveller is the thermal baths whose history goes back to Etruscan times. Its present day structure, built in the middle of the 19th Century but recently modernised, features two thermal parks - the Antica Querciolaia and San Giovanni. Both contain a mixture of different pools, supplied by natural thermal waters of varying temperatures, which are fed through several funnels under which you can sit or stand and be massaged Jacuzzi-style by the hot sulphuric liquid.
Rapolano Terme
Antica Querciolaia
Via Trieste 45
Tel: (+39) 0577 724091
Fax: (+39) 0577725470
info@termaq.it
www.termeaq.it
Open all year round.
Terme de Montepulciano Spa
Now rather famous, this luxurious spa is located in a beautiful unspoilt valley. A few decades ago only farmers and shepherds came to bathe in the waters that gushed naturally out of hot springs. Today however the resource, offering the very latest in spa and beauty treatments, is open to all. It is situated about three hours south of Vercenni and near to the stunning hill town of Montepulciano. Famous for its Vino Nobile and fantastic restaurants, it offers a great-all-year round overnight excursion, encompassing a visit to both spa and town.
Terme de Montepulciano Spa
Sant'Albino di Montepulciano
Via delle terme 46
Tel: (+39) 0578 7911
Fax: (+39) 0578 7911
info@termedemontepulciano.it
www.termedemontepulciano.it
Open all year round
The Bagni delle Galleraie- Radicondoli
Situated about two hours south west of Vercenni lies this beautiful 'thermal gem' set in the nature reserve of 'Le Carline' a must for those who like to take in unspoilt wildlife. The spa is also just 45 minutes south east of the stunning fortified town of Volterra and 30 minutes east of the beautiful Tuscan coastline. Comprising a 19th Century hotel next to a modern complex, the facility offers all manner of beauty treatments, including massage and mud packs.
Radicondoli
Bagni delle Galleraie
Terme Salute Ambiente Sap- Loc. Le Galleraie
Tel: (+39) 0577 793151
Fax:0577 79282
www.termesaluteambiente.com
galleraie@termesaluteambiente.com
Open June to October
Eight ways in which balneotherapy heals
- Bathing in hot springs gradually increases the temperature of the body, thus killing harmful germs and viruses.
- Thermal bathing increases hydrostatic pressure on the body, thus increasing blood circulation and cell oxygenation. The increase in blood flow also helps dissolve and eliminate toxins from the body.
- Hot springs bathing increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, bringing improved nourishment to vital organs and tissues.
- Bathing in thermal water increases body metabolism, including stimulating the secretions of the intestinal tract and the liver, aiding digestion.
- Repeated hot springs bathing (especially over a 3 to 4- week period) can help normalize the functions of the endocrine glands as well as the functioning of the body's autonomic nervous system.
- Trace amounts of minerals such as carbon dioxide, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium are absorbed by the body and provide healing effects to various body organs and system. These healing effects can include stimulation of the immune system, leading to enhanced immunity; physical and mental relaxation; the production of endorphins; and normalized gland function.
- Mineral springs contain high amounts of negative ions, which can help promote feelings of physical and psychological well being.
- The direct application of mineralized thermal waters (especially those containing sulphur) can have a therapeutic effect on diseases of the skin, including psoriasis, dermatitis, and fungal infections. Some mineral waters are also used to help the healing of wounds and other skin injuries.
