According to an ancient legend the god of the underworld, Saturn, once became angry with men because they were always at war with each other.
To be heard he grabbed a thunderbolt and hurled it on the ground, so he brought forth, from the crater of a volcano, a sulphurous water from which emanated a warm fog that enveloped everyone and brought them to peace.
From that day men born near the source of Saturn water came into the world wiser and happier. The protagonist of the legend is Saturnia, where the water flows, to 800 liters per second at a temperature of 37 ° C.
The myth says that this was the oldest Italic city. What we know for sure is that, as Aurinia, this place already existed in Etruscan times and has been renamed Saturnia by the Romans.
The town is a small hamlet of Manciano, in the Tuscan Maremma, situated on the fertile hills bordering the river Albegna.
It is located not far from the sea (on the Argentario’s coast) and the mountains (near the famous Mount Amiata), both within at almost a half hour drive.
Saturnia is located in an area inhabited since the twelfth century BC. They are in fact attributable at that time the ancient city walls and necropolis “del Puntone” found in the area.
Situated along the Via Clodia, Saturnia was also a Roman town from which we have some ashes: the walls, the foundations of some buildings and the remains of a bath complex known as "Dry Bath" (“Bagno Secco”).
Ancient via Clodia
In the valley below, to Montemerano, there are the Terme di Saturnia with their sulphurous water, which has always been known for its healthiness.The small village of Saturnia is located atop a hill, overlooking two valleys: the Terme di Saturnia and the Albegna valleys.
A PLEASURE WITHOUT PRICE: THE WATERFALLS OF THE MILL
The waterfalls of the mill are located about 2 km from the center of Saturnia, not far from the entrance of the modern spa, built around 1837, as a result of the drainage of the land around the source, which flows from the ancient volcanic crater right below the pool.
From here you can reach the "Gorello" creek, where a drop creates a waterfall that flows around an old mill and in turn form a series of natural pools carved into the rock. The Mulino Falls are the most beautiful and well-liked place of Saturnia; increasingly popular, both day and night, for many tourists and bathers.
On the left side of the road opens up a view that allows you to see, from afar, the waterfalls in all their picturesque beauty, shrouded by clouds of steam that has always characterized this mythical place.
Everyone can always take a bath in the warm water of the pools, even in the coldest months of the year. If you want to experience the magic of a night swim it will be useful having torch.
Process Mix the flour, honey, water, oil, pine nuts and raisins previously made soaked in vin santo. Adjust the amount of water to obtain a smooth and soft mixture. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3 cm and place it in a baking dish prepared with olive oil and rosemary leaves. Complete with a generous round of olive oil and garnish with abundant pine nuts and raisins. Place in a preheated oven at 170 ° C. When the surface of the chestnut has acquired a dark color, remove from oven and let it cool.
