Rapolano Terme

Rapolano Terme stands in the heart of the amazing Crete Senesi, an area of clay soils with important thermal springs that have powerful health benefits. The thermal bath establishments of Antica Querciolaia and Terme of San Giovanni have existed since Roman times; they are places to unwind surrounded by wonderful scenery. With hydromassage, hot baths and mud baths, you can enjoy a totally relaxing holiday here.
Nature has provided not only healing waters but also strong stone: travertine, which was deposited aeons ago near chalky waterfalls, springs and pools. This stone, which is very strong but porous, has been quarried here since the 1500s and is still an important source of employment in the area. It has been used in the construction of some of the most important monuments and building projects in Italy, including the church of San Biagio at Montepulciano, the façade of the Duomo (Cathedral) in Pienza and that of the church of Provenzano in Siena.

The Museum of the Grancia is well worth a visit. It is dedicated to agriculture and the olive oil that has been produced in this area for centuries. It is an old building in the typical mediaeval village of Serre di Ripolano, where the famous Serremaggio festival is held every May.
The Serremaggio is a historical re-enactment that takes visitors back through time, not just thanks to the atmosphere and the entertainment provided by the jesters and mediaeval guards, but also to the refreshment points all over the village, where you can try such antique delicacies as marinated anchovies with chopped garlic and fresh pecorino cheese, accompanied by the famous local speciality “vino concio”, or spiced wine. In the evening you can enjoy a tasty mediaeval dinner, served in a splendid hall, with tumblers and musicians, by the light of flaming torches and candles.