Gambassi Terme is a town in Tuscany, located in the south of Florence province, on the border with the province of Siena, which is home to famous thermal baths. Archaeological evidence indicates that the town has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age but it wasn't properly settled until the Etruscans arrived in the seventh century BC. It was later home to the Romans and there is evidence of a castle there in the Middle Ages, going as far back as 1037. Gambassi Castle then became property of the bishopric of Volterra until the end of the twelfth century before a newer castle was built next to the old in the 12th century. Disputes over the ownership of the town led to bloody battles until it finally came under Florentine rule in the 13th century. Only since 1977 has it been called Gambassi “Terme”, an addition to highlight the importance of its natural spas (the “terme”).
The spas opened in 1974 and their waters are scientifically proven to be therapeutic and curative for many ailments. In addition, they are the perfect place to relax and also offer a range of more aesthetic and cosmetic treatments. Acqua Salsa di Pillo, also called Terme della via Francigena, is one of these spas, set within a pretty park, with a welcoming atmosphere and a wide range of therapeutic and aesthetic spa treatments. The waters flow from a spring called Acqua di Pillo at a temperature of 34°C and are used for drinking, inhalation, hydrocolontherapy, mud therapy and massages. In particular, they are used in treating Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and hemiplegia, gastrointestinal diseases, hepatic and biliary, urinary and respiratory, dermatological and gynecological problems.
If you are looking to get away from it all, this is just the place! We have plenty of vacation rentals in Gambassi Terme and in nearby towns, such as the beautiful Villa Monti in Gambassi Terme and Villa Isabella in Montaione. If you are in search of a bigger town to act as your base camp, there are plenty of vacation rentals in San Gimignano, Certaldo or Castelfiorentino to choose from. The town itself is also a beautiful place to visit and explore with a lovely ancient parish church, olive groves, vineyards, attractive public garden outside the Palazzo Civico, where there is a small collection of Etruscan and Roman finds excavated in the area, wonderful and historic stained glass makers, a glass museum and much more besides. All this considered, Gambassi Terme really is a lesser-known gem in Tuscany that is not to be missed and, as it is located so close to Florence, it couldn't be easier to get there!
