Le Caldane, Natural thermal baths in Gracciano dell'Elsa, Italy.
Le Caldane is a natural thermal spring site near Gracciano dell'Elsa featuring multiple pools fed by mineral-rich water that stays around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). The stone-lined basins form naturally where the warm water emerges from the ground and flows into the surrounding streambed.
The site has been used for bathing since Etruscan times, reaching back thousands of years into the region's past. It suffered destruction in the 13th century but was later rebuilt by local communities who restored it for use.
The thermal waters have long served as a gathering place where people came together to care for their bodies and find wellness through nature. Locals today view the site as part of their connection to how people in this region have lived for centuries.
The site is easiest to visit during warmer months when the pathways around the pools are dry and clear. Wear suitable shoes and bring a towel, as the pools are set in an open area with limited facilities nearby.
The original pools once had mosaic flooring that is still partially visible today, showing the artistic care that ancient users put into these baths. Workers restored portions of this ancient craftsmanship in the late 1800s.
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