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The first news about "Bagni di Petriolo"
go back to 1230. In the month of June of that year, Siena Municipality
sent the notary Bonfilio to make the list of the people "qui iverant
ad balneum". In his description of Italy, Leandro Alberti says
that the Baths, which Marco Tullio Cicerone spoke about in his oration
in favour of Marco Caelio are those of Petriolo and that about the same
Baths spoke also Marziale in his epigrams. The recent discovery of Roman
graves near Petriolo is a proof of this.
In 1404 the Petriolo Thermal Baths were fortified
and this is the only example left of the fortified thermal baths. Today
we can still admire their walls and the Tower of the Sienese Republic.
Famous, thanks to the curative properties of their sulphureous water,
Petriolo Thermal Baths were attended by many famous people. Among them,
there were members of the Medici and Gonzaga families, cardinals, dukes
and an excellent customary visitor, Pope Pius II - Enea Silvio Piccolomini.
Petriolo is one of our prefered thermal spas. Not too far away, on the
road to Siena, we often make a stop there, especially in Winter. The
Hotel "Therme di Petriolo" we leave aside and go down to the
river Farma where you find small rock bassins. The sulphur water is
very relaxing and after the bath you can take a dip in the river.

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