Bagno Vignoni
Roman Baths, natural springs and limestone waterfalls
Image by @pienzaphotographer
History
Image by @pienzaphotographer
Bagno Vignoni is a small town with ancient thermal springs opposite the Medieval fortress town of Castiglione d’Orcia, in the municipality of San Quirico d’Orcia.
Its thermal waters were discovered due to their convenient location, right above the Via Francigena, and have been used since Ancient Roman times. Archeological finds even indicate that they were frequented during Etruscan times too.
Throughout the centuries the baths were frequented by eminent personalities, from Pope Pius II to Caterina da Siena - a saint, theologist and philosopher, and Lorenzo de Medici. The baths were renamed to bagni Santa Caterina, in honor of the saint who often bathed there.
In the 16th century a large rectangular tank made of rock was built in the Piazza delle Sorgenti as a way of containing the original source of thermal water that rises from the subterranean aquifer. When visiting, you’ll notice large bubbles of air rising in the middle of the tank - that’s the boiling hot water coming out of the earth.
Although there have been numerous wars, fires and other extreme natural events since the town was built, it has remained almost entirely unchanged since the 16th century.
Below the town, on the steep hill that descends towards the Via Francigena is a natural oasis, Parco dei Mulini, where the thermal waters cascade, creating wonderful limestone natural sculptures. In between one waterfall and another are caves which used to act as water mills, that had the advantage of being used even during periods where others were out of action due to the summer drought in rivers and streams. The thermal water supply is infinite and not subject to drought, so the mills could keep turning.
Climb up to Vignoni, the section of the town higher up the hill, to the belvedere, from which you’ll be able to admire the sweeping views of hilly Val d’Orcia on one side and imposing Monte Amiata on the other.
Image by Castelli Toscani
Visit
Castello di Vignoni
Image by Castelli Toscani
Overlooking the town of Bagno Vignoni is Vignoni, a small hamlet on top of the hill. Up until the 11th century the castle was owned by the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, and in the 12th century was contended by the powerful nearby city of Siena, which demanded that the castle pay special, extra, taxes. The castle and neighbouring town of Bagno Vignoni managed to escape the control of Siena by falling into the ownership of the Salimbeni family, owners of the Rocca di Tentennaro, the fortress on the opposite side of the valley, in Castiglione d’Orcia. Vignoni nowadays is one the most well-preserved fortified Tuscan hamlets, and walking through its narrow streets one can almost feel tele-transported to the middle ages.
Image by Siena Free
Events
Image by Siena Free
July - Un Bagno di Birra - Tuscan craft beer festival with live blues, rock and jazz music
Image by La Foce
Bike & Walk
Bagno Vignoni to Monticchiello to La Foce
3 hour e-bike itinerary
Begin your bicycle journey in Bagno Vignoni, making your way down the SP53, turn left at the intersection with Pienza, then turn right, following the signs for Monticchiello. Bike up the famous cypress lined road, make your way to Monticchiello, turning right just before town on the SP88. Turn right again after roughly 3km towards La Foce. Keep the villa on your left as you cycle down the hill, turning right for the Riserva Naturale Lucciola Bella and the steep, infamous road. Ride back down the hill on the opposite side and join the SP53 which brings you straight back to Bagno Vignoni. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water!
Image by Osteria del Leone
Eat
Osteria del Leone
upscale Tuscan
A delicious, curated menu and prosperous wine list in Bagno Vignoni’s historic centre, with two al fresco dining options: secluded garden or people-watching piazza.
http://osteriadelleone.itImage by Il Barrino
Il Barrino
aperitivo & after hours
Nightlife in Val d’Orcia is all concentrated in this wonderful outdoor kiosk & mixology bar overlooking the Orcia river.
https://www.facebook.com/ilbarrinobagnovignoniImage by Tweet and Travel
Il Loggiato
rustic taverna
An informal and traditional taverna serving delicious local dishes and an ever-changing menu which always featured their signature dishes.
http://www.illoggiato.comImage by Adler Thermae
Sleep
Adler Thermae
modern
All the comforts and luxury of a hotel by the Adler group, with vast thermal infinity pools to relax in all day.
https://www.adler-resorts.com/de/adler-spa-resort-thermae/25-0.htmlImage by Lampoon
Hotel Posta Marcucci
traditional & historic
Attention to detail and bespoke care are synonymous with Posta Marcucci, a recently renovated classic Italian hotel with natural thermal baths and picturesque gardens.
https://www.postamarcucci.it/it/bar-verdeImage by HRS
Relais Osteria dell'Orcia
historic & intimate
An XVI century Relais opposite Bagno Vignoni’s natural thermal waterfalls with a restaurant serving refined and seasonal Tuscan cuisine.
https://www.osteriadellorcia.com/Image by Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Shop
Image by Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Toscana Lovers
Tuscan craft boutique
Handmade Tuscan knives, cutlery sets, ceramic dishes and refined textiles overlooking the main thermal bath.
https://www.toscanalovers.it