Chianciano Terme is one of the most well-known spa towns in Tuscany and Italy. The city is located in a charming position between the Val di Chiana and the Val d’Orcia, in a picturesque landscape and just a few kilometers from many other places of great interest. Chianciano is therefore able to offer a relaxing, and as we shall see, also cultural vacation.

The area of Chianciano has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and archaeological excavations in the surroundings have uncovered several Etruscan necropolises, such as those at La Foce and in the Pedata-Morelli area, which have yielded a large amount of material. In addition to the necropolises, sanctuaries dedicated to water deities and a farm where oil and wine were produced have been identified. The Etruscans were followed by the Romans, who built the Mezzomiglio thermal baths. The sanctuaries first and then the baths show that the thermal waters of Chianciano were well known and appreciated by both the Etruscans and the Romans.

Things to Do in Chianciano Terme

Thermal Baths in Chianciano Terme
Known since antiquity, Chianciano Terme in the Val di Chiana experienced an economic boom in the second half of the 20th century when it became one of the most important spa towns in Italy.
In this area, there are many thermal springs that have led the modern city to rapid growth in the last 50 years. During this period, many thermal establishments were created in the city, equipped with facilities for complete relaxation and for those who want to engage in recreational activities.
The waters that made Chianciano famous are known for their healing properties. Some of these waters are used in the thermal baths, while others are destined for bottling or used in the preparation of creams and cosmetics.
Thermal parks, sensory spas, hydrotherapy, thermal pools, and much more… In Chianciano, you will find everything you need to take care of your body and relax!

What to See in Chianciano Terme

We have just talked about the “modern” Chianciano, which is undoubtedly the main driver of local tourism with its spas and resorts; now it is time to talk about the “old” village of Chianciano.
The city has been documented since ancient times and offers several ideas for cultural tourism.

Archaeological Museum of Chianciano Terme
The Archaeological Museum of Chianciano Terme is one of the most important museums dedicated to the Etruscan civilization. This interesting museum displays numerous artifacts from various archaeological sites in the area, such as the necropolis of La Foce – Tolle.
The extraordinary artifacts, displayed according to chronological criteria, are enhanced by detailed information and a very precise presentation.
The museum is located on Via Dante (for all information on opening hours and tickets, please refer to the official website).

Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the first half of the 12th century in Romanesque-Gothic forms, although the interior was renovated in neoclassical style in 1817. On the façade, you can admire a beautiful splayed portal with cord decoration and capitals with plant motifs.
Inside, we find an Etruscan urn reused to hold the ashes of Blessed Paolo Salimbeni, a 16th-century fresco depicting the Nativity, a 14th-century crucifix, and a wooden sculpture of the Dead Christ by Giuseppe Paleari.

Museum of the Collegiate Church
Set up inside the Palazzo dell’Arcipretura, the Museum of the Collegiate Church is a small gallery of sacred art (4 rooms) that houses a series of works dated between the 13th and 19th centuries. The core of the collection consists of items from the former Monastery of San Michele Arcangelo. Among the most important works are a Crucifix by Segna di Bonaventura, a wooden Madonna from the school of Nicola Pisano, and a polyptych “Madonna and Saints” by the Master of Chianciano.
The museum is located on Via Solferino (for all information on opening hours and tickets, please refer to the official website).

Chianciano Art Museum
In a sort of chronological tour of Chianciano’s museums, we come to the Chianciano Art Museum. This museum exhibits a vast collection of about a thousand works ranging from the Neolithic to Asian and contemporary art. Here, works by various artists such as Tom Nash, Francis Turner, Mario Schifano, Damien Hirst, Magritte, Guttuso, Munch, Dürer, and Rembrandt are displayed.
The museum is located on Via della Libertà (for all information on opening hours and tickets, please refer to the official website).

Things to Do Around Chianciano Terme

In the immediate vicinity of Chianciano Terme, we recommend the Garden of Villa La Foce, a beautiful formal garden built between 1924 and 1939.
The location between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana makes Chianciano an excellent starting point for reaching many cities such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Chiusi, and Sarteano.

How to Get to Chianciano Terme in the Val di Chiana

Chianciano is about 80 kilometers from Siena and 70 from Arezzo.
By car: from Florence, Arezzo, and Siena: take the A1 highway to the exit for Chiusi/Chianciano, then the provincial road SP146.
By train and bus: the nearest train station is Chiusi Scalo. From there, you can reach Chianciano by bus (line FT4 Siena Mobilità).