June 14, 2018

The scenery and sky en route to Montemerano are spectacular as always in this season.

Montemerano in a stunning burgh located in the Tuscan Maremma, situated on a hill along the road that from Manciano leads to Saturnia. The town was established in the 13th century by the Aldobrandeschi family, then fell under the jurisdiction of the Duchy of Orvieto, and later into the hands of the Republic of Siena.

The contemporary town is largely unchanged from the Middle Ages. The town also still features its encircling walls, including three intact gates.

The Terme di Saturnia are one of the most popular attractions in the area of coastal Tuscany. Located halfway between Lago di Bolsena and Grosseto, the Terme di Saturnia hot springs were already famed in Etruscan times, when the location of the hot springs was known as Aurinia.

In the 2nd century B.C., the Romans renamed the place Saturnia. According to the Etruscan and Roman legends, the Terme di Saturnia were formed when lightning bolts thrown by Jupiter in a violent quarrel missed Saturn, hitting the ground and causing the thermal springs. In the area of Saturnia there are numerous ruins of ancient Etruscan necropolies, roman villas and medieval fortress.

The sulphurous spring water are well known for their therapeutic properties, offering relaxation and well being through immersion. The chemical make-up is sulfur, carbon, sulfate, bicarbonate-alkaline, earth, with the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas and carbon dioxide.

There are two outlets to enjoy the hot springs – a formal club with organized amenities as well as the free waterfalls nearby.

(Narrative excerpted from Wikipedia and www.summerinitaly.com)