Terme di Saturnia are a group of lush geothermal springs located in the municipality of Manciano, just a few kilometres from the village of Saturnia, Italy. The thermal waters of Saturnia have a series of cascades at 37°, where nature forms dozens of beautiful pools at different levels.
Terme di Saturnia – Photo by: Al Brando – Flickr
Terme di Saturnia – Photo by: Al Brando – Flickr
The hot water springs from a volcanic crater gushes from deep down in the earth at an unbelievable rate of 800 gallons per second and then flows along a natural stream until drop as a waterfall, known as the Cascate del Mulino.
Saturnia – Cascate del Mulino – Photo by: candido33 – Flickr
Terme di Saturnia Pools and Cascate del Mulino – Photo by: candido33 – Flickr
Locals in this area think the Cascate del Mulino are their best-kept secret. It laps against an old mill and then goes on to form a series of natural pools of travertine rock carved over the centuries. Immersed in the picturesque Tuscan landscape, the tiny pools are filled by smaller waterfalls flowing from one pool to another.
Terme di Saturnia – Photo by: yanmicols – Flickr
This region’s renown goes way back to the Pre-Roman age, and was even used by Roman nobles. The sulphurous spring water, at a temperature of 37.5 °C all year round, are believed to have health benefits, offering relaxation and well being through immersion.
Terme di Saturnia Natural Pools – Photo by: candido33 – Flickr
Most tourists enjoy the same water in the world-renowned spa complex down the road, sitting in a man-made pool, completely unaware of these naturally carved rock wells that seem like Jacuzzis in the middle of Paradise.
Terme di Saturnia – Photo by: candido33 – Flickr