The Greeks were among the first people in ancient times to know and appreciate hot springs. To their eyes, hot springs and the vapours that arose out of the earth had a supernatural meaning.
It is not by chance that their important sacred buildings, such as the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, were constructed near hot fountains. But it was the Romans who glorified this instrument of treatment and well-being through the building of monumental public Thermae.
One only needs to realize that in the 4th Century BC there were already a thousand thermal bath buildings and eleven imperial baths in Rome. Tuscany is rich in hot springs. In many locations it was actually the Romans, who were the
first to construct thermal systems like the one at San Casciano dei Bagni or at Bagno Vignoni, where it is still possible today to see the beautiful Roman tub in the middle of the town.
Chianciano Terme, already a location for the cult of the god Apollo and Diana, known to the Etruscans for its hot springs, became, during the imperial age, a much sought after destination for the Roman Patricians who spent their vacations there. Ancient ruins dating back to the cult of the waters can be seen today at the Museum of Chianciano.
Many of these buildings arise today in beautiful locations that are in contact with nature, like for example those at Saturnia, Bagni di San Filippo, and Rapolano Terme, or in historic buildings like the ones at Montecatini.
Symbols of the Belle Epoque, the thermal baths at Montecatini or those at Bagni di Lucca are examples of the refined liberty style. In all of them it is possible to balance the pleasure of a totally relaxing vacation with the need for a medical cure or cosmetic therapy. A place to rest and take care of yourself, in a word, to find yourself.

Author: Ambra Nepi

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