|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
The Inn at Bagno Vignoni Authentic Italy - Historic Residence - Green Vacations - Romantic Lodgings |
 |
|
|
|
In the beautiful Orcia Valley of southern Tuscany sits a tiny village that has been a mecca for savvy travelers for over two millennia. Bagno Vignoni (also known as Bagni Vignone) sits on a hilltop just south of San Quirico, about 20 minutes drive from Pienza and slightly further from Montalcino and Montepulciano. Barely more than a cluster of weather-worn stone buildings, it differs from all other Tuscan towns because its main square is formed by a pool of 140-degree F (60-degree C) thermal waters that have attracted the likes of Roman emperors, medieval saints, Renaissance popes and modern movie stars. These waters flow from nearby Mount Amiata only to gather inside the three-foot walls of the village square, eventually trickling down the hillside in charming rivulets. Nothing is more fun than to find a secluded spot, remove your socks and shoes and let those warm, mineral-soaked waters trickle over your weary sightseeing toes!
On an outcrop above the hamlet are the ruins of an 11th-century castle. Its reflections, along with those of ancient stone buildings, red-tiled roofs and colorful geraniums, play on the surface of the pool. It is no longer used by the public but on cooler days the thermal water emits clouds of steam, giving the little settlement a magical air that can rarely be matched even in Tuscany, where unforgettable sights abound. A porticoed bridge lets you stand above the waters and see much the same sight as the many pilgrims who for centuries stopped here as they trekked from northern Europe to the Holy City of Rome. The main route they traveled, la via francigena, passes very close to the town, but even though this little village has been a favored destination for centuries, it is just far enough off the beaten track to have maintained its original charm, which is one of the reasons UNESCO has placed it on the list of World Heritage Sites.
If any of those modest pilgrims and illustrious guests spent the night here, it might have been at an establishment like The Inn at Bagno Vignoni. Its two young owners, sisters Sabrina and Barbara, have scrupulously respected the ancient bones of the place, keeping the stunning terracotta tiles, the rough stone walls, the tall narrow windows and wood-beamed ceilings in all eight guest rooms as well as in the common rooms, where snacks and drinks are always available. Here you'll find a blazing fire in the cooler months, or air conditioning in the summer; overstuffed sofas, Oriental rugs, delicately-scented candles and soft music create an atmosphere that begs you to linger after breakfast or before dinner, to meet your fellow wayfarers. If you make new friends, you can move the fun across the courtyard to the enoteca, a classic Tuscan place where delicious meals are washed down with local vintages. Or try the thermal baths! Nowadays they are operated by the township and offer a wide range of therapies, including mud baths, reflexology, Shiatsu and many types of massage.
When the time comes to retire to your air-conditioned room, you will find the same eclectic atmosphere combining folk art pieces from around the world and local treasures from grandmother's trunk. Except for the Romantic Room, which has a queen-size canopy bed, all the rooms can have one queen bed or two twin beds. The Fire Room has a double room and an archway to a separate single room. The Arch Room has space for a single bed. The Water Room overlooks the thermal pool -- be sure to book this one far in advance! Superior rooms are larger, while deluxe rooms have special features such as a 15th-century fresco. Every type of room has its own private bathroom with brand-new stall shower and sink.
|
|
For this property:
One child 0-6 years old stays free in its parents' double room.
Click here for information about half-day cooking lessons, pizza lessons or wine lessons nearby.
Please note that you need a car to stay here.
It is not possible to guarantee Internet access at any property, because the property does not generate the service, it merely provides access from a server. If the server experiences any kind of problem at all, the property regrets it cannot be responsible for any inconvenience caused by subsequent lack of service.
Lodgings Nearby
Things To Do Near This Property
Other Authentically Italian Properties
Other Historical Properties
Other Green Vacation Spots
Other Romantic Lodgingss