HOT SPRINGS

 

 

Pieve di San Giovanni sits at the heart of a fascinating territory known since ancient times for its bubbling hot springs and mineral rocks. In the 19th century this geo-thermal activity was first harvested to make electricity. Today, the hissing fumarole – blowholes releasing boron-laden steam – in the rolling countryside around Lustignano are a key part of the area's magic. In nearby Larderello, the Museo della Geotermia is dedicated to the science and history of one of Italy's most active regions of volcanic hot springs and steam vapours. At Sasso Pisano – where even the old communal laundry washing basins are full of hot mineral water – the Parco delle Fumarole is a magical area of blowholes pumping boron-laden steam and burbling streams of hot water. Here too are the remains of a thermal bath complex dating from pre-Roman times – an ancient version of the Pieve's own private natural hot-water spa.