Toscana & Chianti News

Beauty

Right compromise between mind & body

Cherished within the Basso Merse Nature Reserve, Terme di Petriolo is the ideal destination for a nature-based vacation and well-being for your body.

Used since the Roman age for the beneficial curative qualities of the waters, the springs are formed by several thermal baths, both natural and man-made, inside the modern spa centre.

On the boundary between the CivitellaPaganico and Monticiano areas, in a strategic position, the baths are situated not too far away from the cities of Siena and Grosseto, so why not make a pit stop here prior to diving into the art of these two beautiful Tuscan cities?

The baths originally consisted of a small haven of health on the banks of the Farma torrent. Over the centuries, they later became the favourite destination of some famous figures, including Pope Pius II Piccolomini, who often came here to relieve the pains that afflicted him.

Nowadays the waters, which contain a substantial percentage of hydrogen sulphide, are particularly recommended to cure respiratory problems by way of specific treatments including inhalation treatments, nasal douches and aerosols. In the modern and well-equipped thermal establishment, you can also enjoy numerous beneficial treatments such as mud baths, which are excellent for treating inflammations, and a series of treatments and programs dedicated to the health and beauty of the face and body, such as the notable thermal synergy massages.

The salutary and curative properties of the "muds", due to the chemical and physical features of the thermal water, are enhanced by letting the mud flow into baths in which it is left to develop, so as to enrich it with microelements and active principles.

In addition to paid treatments in the centre, Terme di Petriolo offers some trails that wind from the wood to the banks of the Farma and Guinzaione torrents.

The former, in front of the spa centre, is located where the water pours out at a temperature of 42°C, just under the Farmabridge in a distinctive travertine formation, at the top of which a small spring rich in calcium carbonate gushes out.

Climbing about 240 metres, on the other hand, you will reach SorgentedelGuinzaione, also known as Molino del Tufo. Here the waters contain more iron, with an average temperature of 27°C. Although it takes a 45-minute walk to get here, there and back, try not to throw in the towel!

The scenery that takes turns to appear before your eyes just won't let you regret your decision to have set out. Set among woodland, fields and meadows, the final immersion in the hot waters of the natural baths is the perfect combination of the harmony of mind and body.