San Casciano dei Bagni and the Rediscovered Sanctuary

Among the hills embracing the village of San Casciano dei Bagni, a short distance from the Medici thermal baths, one of the most precious archaeological treasures of recent times was recently discovered: a large sanctuary complex from Roman - and before that Etruscan - times characterized by a quadrangular building with a large tub in travertine. Beginning in 2019, the excavations uncovered dozens of bronze votive statues abandoned to the waters more than 2,000 years ago, some around 3 feet (1 meter) tall, in a perfect state of preservation. So exceptional is this find that it is considered the most important in Italy after the Riace Bronzes.
 
Following the success of the exhibition “The Gods Return: The Bronzes of San Casciano” at the Palazzo del Quirinale, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and of Reggio Calabria, the statues will be traveling abroad.  The destination chosen for 2025 by the Ministry of Culture is the prestigious James Simon Gallery in Berlin, which serves as the entrance to the German city’s museum island, where the bronzes are on display from July 5 to October 12. 

In the meantime, while waiting for the finds to settle in their final destination in their home territory, the 10ᵗʰ excavation campaign has already commenced, with many archeology students from all over the world participating again this year. 

Today, San Casciano dei Bagni is one of the most popular spa towns in Italy, thanks to the unique combination of the richness of its waters and its archaeological heritage.

Yet, the area also delights thanks to its small villages such as Celle sul Rigo rich in history, the food and wine traditions like Pici all’Aglione, Cinta Senese, Chianina, truffles and Sangiovese wine, to the iconic landscapes of the Valdichiana Senese and Val d’Orcia.