Sorano Thermal Baths
Vacations rich in relaxation, nature and culture in the “Città del Tufo”
In the Città del Tufo—an area rich in tuff—alongside the forest surrounding the thousand-year-old Parish Church of Santa Maria dell’Aquila, thermal water springs gush forth at a constant temperature of 99.5 °F (37.5 °C) that feed the pools of the Sorano Thermal Baths.
These baths have a history dating back thousands of years, with roots to Etruscan and Roman times. After being in operation until the mid-20ᵗʰ century, the spring fell into a state of neglect due to being destroyed by the mining of travertine. Its rediscovery came in 2000, when a truffle hunter out on a search noticed a sudden burst of hot water, which turned out to be mineral-rich thermal water. In 2006, following restorations, the Parish Church was transformed into the current spa center, bringing back to life a place that had long been synonymous with wellness and care for the mind and body.
The therapeutic properties of the waters
Sorano’s thermal waters are rich in calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and sulfate salts, gushing out at a constant temperature of 99.32 °F or 37.4 °C. The waters are particularly suitable for dermatological treatments, such as for psoriasis and dermatitis, due to the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and sebum-regulating properties.
In addition, the magnesium present promotes skin regeneration and stimulates cutaneous circulation. These waters are also useful for treating rheumatic disorders, arthritis and respiratory conditions, thanks to the beneficial effects of the minerals.
The thermal bath establishment and services
The Sorano Thermal Baths offer a broad range of services including three swimming pools, counting one pool for sports and two fed by the thermal waters.
The most popular body of water contains bicarbonate-magnesiocalcium thermal waters, open from May to September, gushing from the spring at 99.1 °F or 37.3 °C, featuring two waterfalls and even being suitable for children. The most distinctive pool, named “The Friars’ Bath,” is located in the woods near the thermal stream and, fed by two thermal springs flowing directly from the rock at a temperature of about 93.2 °F or 34 °C, it is modest in size, able to accommodate about fifteen people. This bath dates back to the 15ᵗʰ century and was used by the friars who lived on the premises of the Parish Church of Santa Maria dell’Aquila, which at the time was the site of a convent.
The wellness center offers a bevy of treatments, including massages like bamboo massages, beauty rituals and treatments with snail mucin. In addition, guests can enjoy the restaurant offering traditional dishes from the Maremma area and stays in apartments and elegant villas, while enjoying a private sunbathing area.
The spa center, located in the southern Maremma area, is just a few miles from the historic towns of Sorano, Pitigliano, Saturnia and Sovana, being an excellent starting point for a relaxing and cultural vacation.
