What comes to your mind when you hear about Italy? The ancient beauties of Rome, the canals of Venice, the shops of Milan… This is what everyone knows about. Have you ever heard of Chianciano Terme? Meanwhile, this is a wonderful thermal resort, one of the best in its profile. Which one? This is what we propose to learn from our material.
Province of Siena
First of all, at least briefly, we will tell you about the province of Siena in Italy, because it is there that the resort we are interested in is located. Siena is located in the Tuscany region (pizza lovers probably know about this), and its administrative center is the city of the same name. Siena, which consists of 36 communes, is home to just over 260 thousand inhabitants (in Italy, a commune is a territory consisting of one main city - from which the commune gets its name - and the surrounding area).
In ancient times, Siena was called the Republic of Siena and was the main competitor of Florence (which is located with SienaNext door). In the middle of the sixteenth century it became part of the Duchy of Tuscany and is now the most famous part of Tuscany. It is in Siena in Italy that there are a lot of attractions of the entire region - and not only the sources of interest to us. The Frankish Road is evidence of ancient routes, many ancient castles and medieval squares, several UNESCO heritage sites - all this and much more can be found in the province of Siena. Therefore, we strongly recommend staying there for at least a couple of days - you will not be disappointed!
Chianciano Terme
So, Chianciano is, as we have already mentioned, a thermal spring. And it is also one of the thirty-six Sienese communes, with its own history, traditions and scenic views, as well as attractions. Even when heading to Chianciano Terme for a spa treatment, it's worth setting aside a day or two just to leisurely explore the commune's main town. It is quite small - less than ten thousand people live there. By Russian standards, it's like a village where everyone knows each other.
The commune has its own patron - St. John the Baptist, whose feast day falls on June 24th. And the thermal springs located in Chianciano Terme are no less than the oldest of these in the world! They were known back in the time of the Etruscans - and this is the fourth century BC. By the way, the famous Emperor Augustus was treated at the local resorts.
Chianciano is known for being a prestigious resort (where people flock from all over the world) to be quite calm and if you are looking forsilence and solitude, the commune of Chianciano in the Tuscan hills will suit you perfectly. Holidays in Chianciano Terme can be perfectly combined (or supplemented) with balneological procedures, thereby simultaneously killing two birds with one stone.
Source specialization
Each thermal spring has its own treatment profile. For example, people go to Karlovy Vary (another well-known spring located in the Czech Republic) to eliminate problems with the stomach, intestines and esophagus - ulcers, intestinal disorders, and so on are treated there. As for the thermal resort of Chianciano Terme, its specialization is diseases of the liver and biliary tract, as well as the musculoskeletal system and respiratory organs. In addition, diabetics come here - healing springs help to successfully overcome diabetes.
Healing resort
In total, there are several sources on the territory of the balneological resort in Chianciano Terme, but there are four main ones. These are Aqua Santa, Aqua Fucoli, Aqua Santissima and Aqua Sillene. Next, we will tell a little more about each of them, but first it must be said that Chianciano Terme has developed a unique structure aimed at cleansing and healing the body. In addition to springs, there are diagnostic, medical and rehabilitation centers of completely different profiles, mud treatment and inhalation centers, beauty salons and spas. It is important that each of these institutions operates all year round and accepts patients of any age within its walls.
Understandthe infrastructure of Chianciano Terme is easy. The resort has three main buildings. The diagnostic center includes various medical institutions, the spa center - beauty establishments, and Terme Sillene - directly sources.
Aqua Santa
Is the most popular source of all four. It has the most comfortable temperature - plus 33 degrees, and in its composition it contains sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate, as well as several other useful macronutrients. Drink water from Aqua Santa on an empty stomach in the morning.
The source is located surrounded by centuries-old trees, the view from here is amazing. The panorama here inspired Federico Fellini's film 8 and a Half, and writer Luigi Pirandello made Aqua Santa the setting in one of his stories.
Aqua Fucoli
Aqua Fucoli, located in the park of the same name of the resort, is a cold spring, the water temperature is only 16 degrees above zero. And although the composition of the water is approximately the same as that of the Aqua Santa spring, the ratio of the components is somewhat different. Water from Aqua Fucoli is taken after meals in the afternoon. Both Aqua Santa and Aqua Fucoli are intended for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, but the water in Aqua Fucoli is weak and is considered to be a supplement to Aqua Santa.
Aqua Santissima
The third source is used mainly by those who come to treat respiratory diseases. It is hypothermic, there is a huge amount of mineral s alts, and therefore its waters are the best suited for combating the above ailments. The water temperature is plus 24 degrees, it is used either in the form of inhalation or as an aerosol.
Aqua Sillene
Finally, the warmest Aqua Sillene (+38.5 degrees), due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties (such components are included in its composition), is no longer used in the treatment of diseases (with the exception of diseases of the musculoskeletal system), how much in cosmetology.
Also, the water of this source is actively used in mud therapy. It is interesting, by the way, that this source is located on a hill, where before, in the time of the Etruscans, there was a temple - there the Etruscans performed their magical rites.
Contraindications
In some situations, it is forbidden to come for treatment in Chianciano Terme. Contraindications to the procedures are: the presence of oncological diseases, the acute stage of any of the existing ailments, the insufficiency of one or another organ (heart, for example).
Attractions
What are the attractions in Chianciano Terme? First of all, these are several viewing platforms from where incredible views of the fluffy hills of Tuscany, oak and beech groves, the transparent expanse of the local lake called Trasimeno open up. First of all, we recommend climbing to the observation platforms - so, having surveyed the surroundings, you can, although fluently, but still get acquainted with the entire territory for many miles around.
In the town of Chianciano, which seems to consist of two parts - the old and the new, stretching along the thermalsources - many ancient buildings, representing historical heritage, are still preserved. Beautiful castles and palaces, the building of the city hall, several temples - each building impresses with its appearance, its atmosphere. In addition, there are many picturesque and very cozy parks, along the paths of which you can walk around the clock. In general, there is definitely something to see in Chianciano Terme. And if you get hungry or want to "shop", wonderful restaurants with delicious cuisine are at your service (as, indeed, everywhere in Italy), souvenir shops and shops.
Housing
There are enough hotels in Chianciano Terme, so there are no problems with choosing accommodation. From hotels with four stars, you can pay attention to the Admiral Palace, which is located in the very center of the commune. It has its own spa center with a relaxation room, the hotel serves delicious food, the rooms are clean and tidy, it's nice to be in them. Another good four-star hotel is the Grand Hotel Terme, which is located between the main square of the city and a large forest area where you can safely walk. It also has a spa and the rooms are warm, which is a big advantage during the cold season in Italy. And on a high hill in the city center, from where amazing views open, there is a hotel with a lower star - Albergo Villa Gaia 3. Next to it are the baths and the old town.
Food
Where to eat in Chianciano Terme? Experienced travelers definitely recommend visiting the Rosso Vivo Pizzeria Verace pizzeria - according to reviews, they serve simply divine pizza. The appearance of the establishment is quitesimple - ordinary wooden tables, ashtray tins, but there is a clean and comfortable terrace, and the air conditioner works. And in general, the main thing is not decoration, but delicious food - and it is guaranteed to be present in this pizzeria, and not only tasty, but also very satisfying. The owners of the pizzeria are friendly and sociable - they will not only feed you, but also tell you about the origin of pizza, and demonstrate the process of making dough.
How to get to Chianciano Terme, Italy
Nothing complicated about it. The closest international airport is in Rome. After landing there, you should take a train that runs every fifteen minutes to get to the central railway station of the Italian capital. Then you need to get to the station called Chiusi. From there, every twenty minutes, a regular bus runs directly to Chianciano Terme, it’s not far to go - the distance between Chianciano and Chiusi is about seven kilometers.
If you intend to undertake such a forced march by car, you should know that your highway is A1. On it you also reach Chiusi, turn off and, guided by the signs, get to Chianciano Terme.
What to eat in the neighborhood
Chianciano Terme is located almost in the heart of the country, and therefore it is convenient to get anywhere in Italy from here. The easiest way to get to Orvieto, Arezzo, Pisa, Florence and Rome, and from there you can "wave" anywhere.
Reviews of tourists
What do those who have been there say about the resort? According to reviews, Chianciano Terme is uniquea place where you really feel better after being there. Many people note the friendliness of local specialists and staff, the cleanliness and tidiness of the surroundings, and the incredibly delicious food. The results of the procedures of Chianciano Terme patients are impressive - according to the reviews, they have a truly positive and beneficial effect on the body.
Interesting facts
- Many films are filmed in Chianciano Terme, in particular, director Tarkovsky filmed his "Nostalgia" here.
- Among the departments in local medical centers there is a specialized children's, including asthma.
- No resort in Italy treats diabetes anymore.
- On the territory of the resort there is the only thermal service "Terme Sensoriali" in Italy, where they are treated with the help of naturopathy.
- In the province of Siena, the world-famous Palio festival is held twice a year - bareback horse racing.
- This is where astronauts come for rehabilitation.
Even if you are going to Italy not for the sake of treatment, but for pleasure, and the province of Siena with the thermal springs of Chianciano Terme did not fit into your original route, spend a couple of days getting to know this corner of Italy. You won't regret it!
