Cetona and San Casciano
The val d’Orcia
30 December 2022Slow travel
Giving up a hectic life in favour of a more relaxed pace, following a natural rhythm.
Cetona
Cetona and San Casciano Bagni are less known compared to other famous art towns such as Cortona or Montepulciano, but this doesn’t mean they are less beautiful or interesting. Here you will be able to put into practice the concept of slow travel or slow tourism, give up a hectic life in favour of a more relaxed pace following a natural and relaxing rhythm.
Upon entering the town you find Piazza Garibaldi, the main square, bright and spacious, built in the XVI century by Gian Luigi Vitelli, entirely clad in travertine, the place where events and festivals are organized as well as a meeting point for the locals. The tour continues along the alleys of the old town, passing Palazzo Minutelli, the town hall and the city museum, built towards the mid XVI century, arriving at the Romanesque collegiate church of the Santissima Trinità dating back to the 12th century. Inside are several frescoes from the late 15th century, including a Madonna from the school of Pinturicchio.
San Casciano Bagni
San Casciano is undoubtedly the town of wellbeing and relax.
This SPA area has been inhabited since Etruscan times. The presence of 42 springs guarantees one of the biggest thermal water flow rates of Europe.
Orange flag of the Touring Club Italiano, San Casciano is not only spa and relax but also history and culture. Of great historical value are the archaeological excavations at the Bagno Grande, where the remains of an antique Roman temple dedicated to Apollo were found. The excavations revealed 24 bronze statues of fine workmanship, preserved by the water for over 2300 years, a discovery which will revolutionize the history of San Casciano.
The visit to the historical centre of San Casciano dei Bagni can begin at the belvedere in Piazza Matteotti, where you will be able to admire the view over the valley below. From here carry on towards the Collegiata of the Saints Leonardo and Cassia (XIII century). Next to the church is the Oratory of Sant’Antonio with a splendid portal dating back to the XVI century. Carrying on we find the Town Hall and the episcopal palace, built in 1552, which for centuries hosted the authorities who came to the spa to receive treatment. Just outside the historical centre is the Church of Santa Maria, the oldest building in San Casciano dating back to the XI century. Inside the church there is a beautiful altar from the XVI century and several frescoes from the Sienese and Orvieto schools.
Relax in one of the historical pools of the public spas of san Casciano, natural thermal pools which attract numerous visitors all year round, also during the winter.
