Porta Romana: A Gateway Through Time

Porta Romana, the Roman Gate, stands as a proud testament to Saturnia's layered history. Constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, it is the sole survivor of the four original Roman gates of Saturnia. This historical landmark marks the entrance to the heart of Saturnia, a town with origins stretching back to the Etruscans and even earlier Neolithic settlements. Walking through Porta Romana is like stepping back in time. The gate frames a section of the ancient Via Clodia, a Roman road that once connected Saturnia to other key settlements in Tuscany. Look closely, and you can still see the grooves worn into the paving stones by the countless carts and chariots that passed through the gate over centuries. Saturnia itself is a captivating village with a rich and turbulent past. It has been under the control of various powers, including the Aldobrandeschi family, the Orsini counts, and the Republic of Siena. The village was even burned to the ground in the 1300s and largely forgotten until its thermal waters regained popularity. Today, Saturnia is best known for its thermal springs, particularly the Cascate del Mulino, where warm, mineral-rich waters cascade over natural rock formations.