Piazza delle Sorgenti, Montepulciano Travel Guide

Piazza delle Sorgenti, the main square of Bagno Vignoni, is unlike any other. Instead of a traditional piazza with a statue or fountain, it features a large thermal pool dating back to the 16th century. This pool is filled with hot, steaming thermal water that emerges from an underground volcanic source. The waters have been used for their therapeutic properties since Roman times, attracting notable figures like Pope Pius II, Saint Catherine of Siena, and Lorenzo de' Medici.The village of Bagno Vignoni is tiny, with only about 30 residents, but its unique charm and historical significance draw visitors from around the world. The square is surrounded by beautiful stone buildings, including homes, shops, and a church, all contributing to the village's preserved Renaissance-era atmosphere. Although bathing in the central pool is no longer permitted, the surrounding spas offer opportunities to enjoy the thermal waters.The thermal waters from Piazza delle Sorgenti flow to the nearby Parco dei Mulini, where the remains of four medieval mills are located. These mills were essential to the local economy, as the constant flow of thermal water ensured their operation year-round. The area has also served as a filming location for movies such as Nostalghia by Andrei Tarkovsky.