Between golden bronzes, sacred springs and a futuristic museum, San Casciano dei Bagni is confirmed as one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the century
Imagine a place where the water flows hot from the earth for over two thousand years, where the sulphur vapors mix with the scent of the Tuscan countryside and where, patiently, the archaeologists are bringing to light a treasure that is rewriting ancient history. This place exists, and it is called San Casciano dei Bagni, a medieval village in the province of Siena that in recent years has jumped to the honors of the international news for a series of extraordinary discoveries.
Index of Article
The lost sanctuary of Apollo
Everything begins in 2021, when the excavations reveal the existence of a imposing sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, whose dimensions do not equal in the ancient Mediterranean. But it is with the campaign of 2024 that the site gives its most precious surprises. Among the most significant finds stands a bronze snake of almost one meter, modeled with mastery by an Etruscan or Roman artist. This fascinating reptile, found at the exact point where the thermal water flowed, was not a symbol of evil as in Christian tradition, but on the contrary represented the the sacredness of the source and the bond with the divine.
Moreover, the serpent in antiquity was associated with divination, and his finding confirms that pilgrims and devotees came here to question the gods on their future. A practice that finds further confirmation in Bronze child of the 2nd century BC., portrayed while holding a small ball that can still rotate on the palm of the hand. The statuette, of exquisite invoice, could represent a young wish, as the inscription in Etruscan on the leg suggests, where for the first time appears the name of the ancient city of Cleusi, today's Chiusi.
A treasure that does not end up astonishing
But wonders don't stop here. A San Casciano dei Bagni archaeologists brought to light a bronze bull, symbol of the agro-pastoral world, nymphs with sinuous forms, mysterious inscriptions and even untouched chicken eggs, perhaps placed as an offer in a rite of rebirth. And then again gold crowns, rings with precious stones and coins piled in what had to be a real votive treasure.
Among the most impressive statues stands a male torso that recalls Alexander the Great, while other heads and busts in bronze testify to an artistic mastery that rivals the most famous works of antiquity. Not by chance, many scholars already compare these findings to the Bronzes of Riace, both for the quality and state of conservation, made possible by the properties of the thermal waters.
A museum in the heart of San Casciano dei Bagni
With such rich heritage, project of the new Archaeological Museum becomes increasingly ambitious. The exhibition, housed in a charming 16th-century building in the historic center, promises to transport visitors back in time, re-creating the mystical atmosphere of the sanctuary. Four exhibition plans will lead the public through 2,300 years of history, from Etruscan origins to Roman times, until the Middle Ages.
Meanwhile, the works for the Archaeological Park proceed, although with some technical difficulties related to the management of the thermal waters, which still flow under the site. Archaeologists are at work to bring to light the back of the sacred bath, still buried, which could reserve further surprises.
A journey between history, well-being and good table
San Casciano dei Bagni is not only archaeology. The village, perched on the hills of Siena, is famous for its thermal baths, already frequented by the Etruscans, and for a landscape that seems to come out of a Renaissance painting. Who wants to enjoy a luxury stay can opt for The Sense Experience Resort, an exclusive five stars where elegance and comfort blend with the Tuscan tradition. Between regenerating spas, rooms overlooking the hills and restaurants celebrating local products, the resort is the perfect base for exploring the area.
And after a day between excavations and relaxation, there is nothing better than a dinner based on pici to boar ragù or ribollita, accompanied by a good glass of Brunello. Why San Casciano dei Bagni is all this: a journey in time, a wellness bath and a taste of the true Tuscany.
