San Casciano dei Bagni is a small village located in southern Tuscany in the picturesque Valdichiana. While it’s known across the world for its 42 thermal springs with curing powers, this lovely town has much more to offer tourists.
From medieval architecture and panoramic views to scrumptious Tuscan cuisine, it should come as no surprise that San Casciano dei Bagni has been one of the most popular places to visit in Valdichiana since Roman times. Whether you’re on a mission of wellness and relaxation or tracing Roman and Etruscan history back to its roots, there’s a long list of places to discover here.
Featuring a stunning medieval historic center surrounded by Etruscan walls, a Roman door, two towers, antique churches, and piazzas with panoramic views, you’ll want to give yourself a few hours to discover the city center by foot. Located around two hours by car from both Florence and Rome, San Casciano dei Bagni is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
How to get there
Smack dab in between Rome and Florence, San Casciano dei Bagni makes for a great rest stop or weekend escape. However, reaching this tiny Tuscan town is a different story.
Public transportation: Trains and buses run daily but the trip to San Casciano requires several bus/train changes. Take the train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, then hop on the bus from Chiusi to Sarteano then Sarteano to San Casciano. The trip each way will take around five hours.
Car: Definitely the favored mode of transportation! You’ll be able to take in the scenic Tuscan countryside and arrive at your destination in two hours.
What to do and visit in San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy
1. Hot Springs
Attracting tourists from all over the world, San Casciano’s thermal baths are the town’s main attraction. In fact, the town was founded for its curing powers by the Etruscans then later used by the Romans. After centuries of political turmoil, San Casciano was rediscovered when the Medici family came to power. They turned it into one of the most popular spas among Italian and European nobles in the 17th and 18th centuries. As the rise for elegance increased in the 19th century, San Casciano lost some of its touch but returned to the scene in the 1930s.
Regardless of the time of day or time of year, visitors can enjoy the 100-degree Fahrenheit healing powers of San Casciano’s sulfurous springs. Used to remedy all kinds of ailments, visitors can pay to soak themselves in private facilities or make the most of the therapeutic water in the free pools.
If you want to live like an ancient Roman, head toward the bottom of the hill that encloses San Casciano’s historical center. Here, you’ll be able to sit back and receive a free natural hydromassage produced by jets or bubbles in the ancient washhouses (vasconi). However, if you’d like to opt for a more exclusive experience, San Casciano dei Bagni hosts various luxury resorts and spas where you’ll be able to soak privately.
2. La Collegiata di San Leonardo & l’Oratorio di Sant’Antonio
The town’s main church (La Collegiata di San Leonardo) was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. The building features a Gothic-influenced entrance covered in motifs from the Oratory of Saint Antonio and a stone bell tower with a clock and five bells. Inside you’ll find a baptismal font from the 1400s. Adjacent to the church, you’ll run into the oratory of Saint Antonio (l’Oratorio di Sant’Antonio) dating back to the 16th century. Reconstructed in the 18th century in a Baroque style, visitors can discover a late 14th-century wooden statue of the Madonna and Child and some modern steel pieces by the Iranian artist Bassiri inside.
3. The Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale)
Serving as the town’s administration center since 1700, San Casciano’s Town Hall holds captivating secrets for those who look closely. The facade includes the coat of arms of Podesta who lodged there and the columns reveal the ancient units of measurement in San Casciano.
4. Il Castello di Fighine
Perched on the top of a hill, this picturesque 11th-century castle (Il Castello di Fighine) overlooks a good part of Umbria. Due to its strategic position and unique architecture, its owners changed hands many times, but today it’s a privately owned restaurant for the Michelin-star chef, Heinz Beck.
Experiences and Tours in San Casciano dei Bagni
5. Church of the Most Holy Conception
It dates back to the 11th century and is recognized as the oldest monument in San Casciano dei Bagni. The Church of Most Holy Conception (La Chiesa di Santa Maria) is just outside the town. It was originally dedicated to Igea, the goddess of health. This tiny church aided the sick people who came to be treated by the town’s healing waters.
Where to stay in San Casciano dei Bagni
Whether you’re opting for budget-friendly lodging or an all-inclusive resort, San Casciano dei Bagni has got you covered!
Full-service resort in the city center
Equipped with six pools surrounded by a beautiful Italian garden and a restaurant, Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat is for those who want to make the most of this spa weekend. Between relaxing in the spas and taking advantage of the resort’s services, this is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
Family-owned bed and breakfast
In the heart of downtown and Tuscan countryside simultaneously, this building from the 1930s has transformed into a safe haven. Offering access to a perfectly manicured garden, spacious suites with lovely terraces, and only 500m from the spa, you can’t beat Sette Querce’s location.
Family-owned agriturismo with breathtaking views
This rustic-style agriturismo includes all the comfort at a fair price. Guests will be able to enjoy panoramic views, a homemade Italian breakfast, and a private pool at Il Podere Degli Artisti.
The Best Restaurants in San Casciano Dei Bagni
Ristorante Castello di Fighine
If you’re looking for a Michelin-star dining experience in a stunning location, make your way to Ristorante Castello di Fighine. Featuring culinary creations by Heinz Beck in a medieval castle, you’re in for a magical evening.
Trattoria La Pace
If your perfect meal consists of panoramic views and local cuisine, you’ll want to check out Trattoria La Pace. From various pici dishes to fresh cold cuts and cheese, you’ll enjoy all the local Sienese dishes here.
Locanda Quattro Vesta
Boasting lovely garden views and typical Tuscan hospitality, Locanda Quattro Vesta features both local and creative dishes. From the romantic setting to the high-class cuisine, you’re guaranteed a lovely evening.
Read more: Bagni San Filippo – Explore the Wild Spa Town in Val d’Orcia
Places to See near San Casciano Dei Bagni
Pitigliano
Often overlooked by tourists, the charming town of Pitigliano is built on a tufa rock ridge created by an ancient volcanic eruption. From a still-active Jewish quarter dating back to the 5th century to a 16th-century aqueduct created by the Medici family, you won’t want to miss this Tuscan treat!
Montepulciano
World-known for its vino nobile red wine and fantastic terraces, make sure to stop in Montepulciano for a glass of wine overlooking UNESCO-protected, Val d’Orcia! Wine lovers or not, visitors will love Tuscany’s rolling hills, panoramic views, medieval streets, and Renaissance architecture.
Bagno Vignoni
Bagno Vignoni is famous for a town square featuring a large pool which is actually the giant central tank of the town’s water! Similar to San Casciano dei Bagni in many ways, visitors can find ancient baths and Roman ruins here. It’s one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets!
San Quirico D’Orcia
With medieval walls and Romanesque churches, it’s worth making a pit stop in San Quirico D’Orcia to tour the town. Homes to beautiful piazzas and ancient Roman churches, you’ll stumble upon a variety of treasures in this hilltop town.
