Le Caldane, Public bath in Gracciano, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy.
Le Caldane is a natural thermal spring in Gracciano where warm water rich in mineral salts flows into two stone-lined pools. The site preserves the simple character of these waters with their reflective surfaces and stone surroundings.
The thermal spring was used as early as Etruscan and Roman times and remained a known bathing site through the medieval period. Following its destruction in 1260 by forces from Siena, the site was rebuilt and reopened.
The site sits along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, reflecting how thermal springs shaped travel and daily life in this region. Generations of visitors have relied on these waters as a stopping point during their journeys.
The site remains open around the clock throughout the year, so visitors can come whenever suits them best. The water is naturally warm and the pools are open to the elements, so wear sturdy footwear as the stone surfaces can be slippery.
The ruins of an old mill stand at the edge of the pools, a remnant from when the spring's flow powered local machinery. These stones tell the story of how thermal energy shaped work and daily routines in the valley.
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