Most British art-lovers are aware of the attractions of Florence and Pisa, two historic Italian cities famed for their amazing pieces of high Renaissance craftsmanship.
But surprisingly, very few people in the UK know about the region they lie within – Tuscany. This ancient part of central Italy has so much more to offer, being a place full of natural treasures just waiting to be to discovered.
For anyone who enjoys and loves beauty, and for those who want to taste all flavours of life, Tuscany is the ideal place to go. It offers the richest palette into which connoisseurs of fine living can immerse their brush.
A good way to discover some of these marvels is by going trekking in the Tuscan countryside.
Armed with a good pair of comfortable boots, travellers should start their journey in the sweet surroundings of Siena, a Tuscan city that also gives its name to one of the 10 provinces that make up the region.
Walking along the gentle roads, the trekker should breath in deep the unpolluted air, heavy with the scent of fresh grass and wild flowers. If weary, drink from one of the many giggling streams which can very easily be found in the woods surrounding the city.
Then, when all refreshed, the trekker should descend into the Val d'Orcia, a territorial, historical, cultural and ecological entity of singular beauty; a highly poetic and well-conserved Tuscan jewel set in the crown of Italy.
The lie of the land is invariably pleasing to the eye, with its low, rolling hills bordered by cliffs, ravines and furrows.
The flora here is rich - particularly at the valley's outermost edges - since its heart is devoted primarily to farm land and grazing pastures.
The course of the river Orcia is among the area's most scenic and interesting features.
It cuts through the valley crosswise before departing by way of the deep and rugged gorge separating the 12th century fortress “Rocca d'Orcia”, 13th century castle Ripa d'Orcia and unspoilt village of Bagno Vignoni.
In Bagno Vignoni tired travellers can heal their aching bones by taking what the Romans, and Etruscans before them, called the “cure”.
This intriguing restorative begins with an inspiring journey – along a road that traverses undulating fields of wheat, vineyards, olive groves and verdant hills where black cypresses stand tall, like dark pearls sewed on a green velvety cloak.
This road is known as the “Via Francigena”, an important thoroughfare connecting Northern Europe to the Italian Peninsula.
From the 12th century onwards, Bagno Vignoni became a stopover point for Christian pilgrims travelling this route on their way to Rome.
While there, they could enjoy the therapeutic waters of the thermal baths for which the village is still famous today.
The baths were consecrated by the Romans and there is still a stone tablet with an inscription written in ancient Greek dedicating the waters to the nymphs of fountains and rivers, daughters of Zeus.
The tablet, which is placed under the arcade of Santa Caterina, reads: "Oh, Nymphs living in these vapours, liberating the eternal fire among the waves, restoring life to those who suffer, I salute you and gift you with copious waters. Spring forth and bring health to the infirm, and to the healthy, a sweet bath. For both, we will be grateful."
Over the centuries,such eminent personalities as Pope Pius II, Santa Caterina da Siena and Lorenzo the Magnificent have attended the baths to recharge both body and soul.
For those seeking relaxation, and wishing to experience the benefits of traditional Roman baths, the Adler Spa resort hotel is an almost compulsory stop.
In this beautiful oasis of well-being, the poor pilgrim can truly find rest, taking in the stunning backdrop of the Tuscan countryside while in the 1000m² outdoor pool, or dozing blissfully in the indoor pool area.
A wide range of natural saunas and steam rooms offer a comforting and detoxifying warmth, where a fragrant steam and the enchanting ambience of the travertine quarry combine to take the lucky guest away to a world of peace and relaxation totally in harmony with nature.
If you want to be the picture (of health) caught in this beautiful frame, contact:
Adler Thermae +39 0577 889 001 (reservations)
I-53027 Bagno Vignoni
San Quirico d'Orcia (Siena)
Tuscany, Italy
Phone +39 0577 889 000
Fax +39 0577 889 999
info@adler-thermae.com
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