Famous for its sulphurous water baths, Saturnia is a small town in the Tuscan Maremma.
The area of Saturnia has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the archaeological finds that took place in the area.
Since Roman times, the town of Saturnia had a certain importance, both for the presence of its thermal baths, whose properties were already very popular, and because it was located on the route of the Via Clodia, which led to Rome.
Today Saturnia is a small village full of charm and history, many attractions to discover including the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, the Rocca Aldobrandesca and the Cinta Muraria.
Also of great interest is the Archaeological Museum, which collects and exhibits finds from nearby archaeological areas.
WHAT TO SEE IN SATURNIA
Church of Santa Maria Maddalena
In the heart of the historic center of Montemerano, there is the Church of San Giorgio, dating back to the fourteenth century.
Restored several times, the church has some elements of Renaissance art.
Inside, the church has a single nave and houses some important works, including a stained glass window depicting the Madonna della Gattaiola, dating back to 1400, a Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints, from 1458 attributed to Sano di Pietro, an Assumption of Maria dating back to 1460, and some frescoes dating back to the end of the 15th century, depicting the Stories of St. George and the Dragon
Rocca Aldobrandesca
Also known as Castello Ciacci, Rocca Aldobrandesca is one of the oldest buildings in Saturnia.
The fortress rises along the walls, near Porta Romana.
Built in the Aldobrandesque period, the fortress was restored and enlarged by the Sienese during the 1400s.
Cinta Muraria
Originally the walls of Saturnia were built in Roman times during the second century BC.
In the original structure there were four access points, during the Middle Ages, with the Aldobrandeschi, the walls were enlarged and fortified in conjunction with the construction of the Aldobrandesca Fortress.
The walls almost completely surround the ancient town of Saturnia, and following the numerous restoration works of the original structure, only one of the 4 “Porta Romana” gates remains.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Saturnia was inaugurated in 2003.
The museum exhibits the Ciacci Family Collection, whose finds were exhibited at the archaeological and art museum of the Maremma in Grosseto from 1980 to 1992.
The exhibits on display come from the necropolis and archaeological areas of the Albegna and Fiora hills.
Very interesting are some jugs dated 350-280 BC, coming from Tarquinia, but also furniture for banquets, pottery, bowls and amulets.
Saturnia Archaeological Museum
Via Italia, Saturnia
Tel. 0564-614074
Opening time :
April-July-August: every day 10-13 / 16-20
May-June: every weekend 10-13 / 16-20
September-October: every weekend 10: 30-13 / 16-20
22 December-6 January: 10: 30-13 / 16-20 (Closed 26-26 December and 1 January)
Entrance: internal € 2.50 | reduced € 2.00 | cumulative € 4.00