Terme di Saturnia

Terme di Saturnia is a natural hot spring in Saturnia, a village within the municipality of Manciano in Tuscany. The warm water flows over limestone terraces and forms several shallow pools where sulfur vapors rise above the surface.

The Etruscans discovered the springs more than 3000 years ago and used them for ritual bathing. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans founded a settlement nearby and built the first thermal baths around the pools.

Local people still visit the pools at dawn and dusk to soak in the warm water, treating them as a shared space for quiet conversation and relaxation. The name Saturnia refers to the god Saturn, and legends say the springs appeared after a divine battle between ancient powers.

The springs remain open all year round and accessible at any hour without an entrance fee. A free parking area sits near the cascades, but the site can get crowded during high season, so arriving early in the morning or late in the evening helps avoid the crowds.

The water maintains a steady temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius all year round, even during winter. The high concentration of sulfur and thermal plankton makes the water slightly cloudy and gives it a distinctive smell.