Saturnia is less of a town and more of a living legend. Ask the locals and they’ll convince you that this Maremman town is actually the mythical Saturnia tellus – refuge of Saturn after he lost the throne of the gods.

Legends aside, Saturnia may not be Saturn’s hideaway, but it’s almost as old.

Built by the Etruscans, it was jealously coveted by the Romans, who wanted the hot springs that surrounded the town for themselves. They eventually took it by force and built baths filled with the hot sulphuric water, transforming Saturnia into a playground for the empire’s rich and famous

Today the hot springs that caught the Romans’ eyes also draw thousands of tourists to the town each year.

More than just an outdoor bath, where temperatures reach a toasty 37.5°C all-year-round, the springs also boast curative properties said to heal various minor ailments thanks to the presence of sulphur in the water.

But if you, like those in the Middle Ages, believe the steamy warm waters are really the waters of Hell or simply have no interest in taking a dip outside, you can still find plenty to do in Saturnia.

In the town itself, the marks of the Etruscans, Romans, Aldobrandeschi, Orsini and Medici are still visible, not in museums, but right in front of your eyes.

In the town square lies the remains of a Roman road, while a magnificent medieval castle looms over the streets, casting a shadow on the nearby stone-carved houses.

Everywhere you look there’s history. A deep and intriguing history that can captivate even those who thought they’d never take an interest in Italy’s expansive history.

To be honest, there isn’t a town outside of Rome and maybe Pompei that has a better preserved and richer Roman heritage than Saturnia.

EVENTS

Saturnia Festival

A chance for locals and tourists to enjoy stirring free classical music concerts each evening for a week.

Want to know more about the Saturnia Hot Springs?

Check out our mini online guide with everything you need to know about the Saturnia hot springs

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