Bagno Vignoni, is a village in the commune of San Quirico d'Orcia, 45 km to the south of Siena (Tuscany). Whilst the buildings in this small centre date from the medieval period, the first settlement in the area was during the time of the Etruscans and ancient Romans, as attested by numerous archaeological finds.

Despite its small size, it attracts both Italian and foreign tourism with its charming natural landscape and thermal springs. The presence of warm water beneath the soil has made the town unique: its main square is completely taken up by a huge bathing pool of thermal water is collected. Rising around the pool are the principle buildings of the town; the most notable is the small church of San Giovanni Battista.

Sleep

• 1 La Poderina. 3 self-catered apartments within an 18th-century country house. In the garden there is a swimming pool with a view of the hills of Val d’Orcia. Those staying in the apartments are also entitled to a 20% discount for entry to a famous thermal swimming pool nearby. €35. 

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Nearby is the tiny medieval hamlet of Vignoni Alto.