Chianciano or Chianciano Terme is located in the region of Tuscany,聽in the province of Siena, close to聽the cities of Siena and Florence.
The spa town, known for its world renowned mineral waters聽rich in healing elements, stands at聽550 meters above the level of sea. The climate of the town is pleasant and, because of its great geographical location, it has become a very popular tourist resort, especially in the last few years.
Chianciano聽is surrounded on all sides by hills聽dense with chestnut, ilex, beechwood and oak trees; it聽has been successful in preserving plenty of natural green areas in its public gardens, spa parks and villas. Today, the town is considered to be one of the best health resorts in聽Europe in name of the healing properties of its waters, but also for the large amount of green surrouding it.
Just a short vacation in Chianciano ensures a good and healthy environment, rejuvenation and plenty of recreational and sport activities, the perfect place to聽get mentally and physically relaxed, while聽being in direct contact with the nature.
Chianciano History
The history of Chianciano can be traced back to the 5th century BC, at the time of the Etruscans. The Etruscans had first built a temple in the town close to Sillene springs,聽dedicated to the god of good health.
The curing capabilities of Chianciano’s water had been known since聽Roman times. Horace had visited the area in the 1st century BC as advised by his physician. Several large Roman villas had been built in Chianciano, close to the thermal baths.
Not much is known about the Middle Ages in Chianciano. However, in the 12th century the town became part of聽Manenti Counts’ belonging. Due to its close proximity to the Via Francigena, 聽the medieval road connecting France to Rome, the town had rapidly developed. In 1287, Chianciano had been given judicial autonomy. In the 14th聽century, the town became part of the city of Siena’s possessions. By the 20th聽century, Chianciano had already started catching the attention of developers due to its springs.聽In the 1920s, several Pompeian style聽bowers had been built in the area. Many spas had been designed by architects like Marchi and Loreti in the Parco Acqua Santa.聽
The Thermal Baths
As we said,聽Chianciano is quite a unique health spa resort, whose thermal baths have been famous since ancient ages. Its waters have聽been renowned since Etruscan times.
There are different types of waters in聽town, coming from聽five different springs, each of them having their own health benefits. The Acquasanta spring is located in a peaceful forest. This water springs from the rocks at聽33 degrees Celsius. Drank on an empty stomach in the morning, it聽is good for liver and stomach problems like gastrointestinal dyspepsia, biliary calculolosis and聽even after bile ducts surgery.
The waters聽of Acqua Santissima,聽another of Chianciano’s five springs,聽is useful for curing respiratory problems聽caused by聽various environmental and pollution problems. The mineral water known as Acqua Fucoli has to be drank in the afternoon for best results: the聽water is found in the park known by the same name, located close to Acqua Santissima. This mineral water is beneficial for regularizing聽intestinal movements and for curing various inflammatory and digestive problems.
Acqua Sillene聽is usually found at a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and is useful for carbogaseous balneotherapy. The water is also used for preparing聽thermal mud for beauty treatments and body wraps. Acqua Sillene is also helpful for treating cardiovascular problems of all types and, especially through muds and toning baths, it can improve blood circulation.
Acqua Sant’Elena is another spring in Chianciano. The water of this聽spring is very beneficial for the removal of kidney stones and to prevent their formation.聽It is also useful for treating urinary and metabolic disorders. The water is quite easily tolerable,聽it increases dieresis and flushes out聽toxins from the body.
Acqua Sant’Elena聽is also useful for getting relief from chronic inflammations in the urinary system. It regularizes any abnormal metabolism of the uric acid in body. Those who have problems like spasms, heartburn or other types of gastrointestinal disorders would receive benefits from this water.
The Location
Chianciano聽is not only a destination for those searching relax and health, but also a perfect departure point for those interested in cultural sightseeing.聽Siena, Pienza, Chiusi, Montepulciano, Cetona, Sinalunga are all within a short distance. Rome, Florence and Siena are also聽quite close.
Those travelling by road can easily reach Chianciano聽from Florence or Rome by taking the聽A1 motorway聽which connects聽these cities.
Chianciano has a train station,聽where all聽trains on the Florence-Rome line stop.聽There is no airport in Chianciano,聽the closest聽being the airport of Perugia which is 80 km away. Florence airport is at 120 km, Pisa at 200 and Rome Fiumicino at 210 km.
Other locations like Montepulciano, Pienza, Chiusi, Lake Trasimeno, Crotona and Orvieto are all located within 50 km of Chianciano, so it is just as easy to drive down to the town from any of these locations.
