Aquae Populoniae. Area archeologica delle Terme del Bagno

About the museum

The archaeological area of the Terme del Bagno, also called the Bagnone, lies near Sasso Pisano, in the municipality of Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina. Since 1985 the Archaeological Superintendency of Tuscany has been uncovering a thermal and sacred complex of great interest, considered the only known example of Etruscan baths of the late Hellenistic period.

The oldest structures date to the 3rd century BC and include a Doric-style portico built with large blocks of local limestone. In the 2nd century BC two thermal installations with basins and service rooms were added, covered with tiles; the nearby rooms probably served to receive visitors and pilgrims. Limestone channels carried water from the nearby hot springs to the basins and to a large outdoor fountain.

An earthquake in the second half of the 1st century BC damaged the complex, which was abandoned for almost a century and then partly rebuilt; it remained in use until the 3rd century AD. A stamp reading “spural” (of the city) on many tiles suggests public use of the baths. The site has been proposed as a possible identification of the Aquae Populoniae or Aquae Volaterrae of the Tabula Peutingeriana. The finds are displayed in the Etruscan and Roman Antiquarium of Sasso Pisano; visits to the excavation area are organised by the Gruppo Archeologico Sasso Pisano.

Highlights

• Only known example of Etruscan baths of the late Hellenistic period
• Doric portico of the 3rd century BC built in limestone blocks
• Thermal basins fed by hot springs via channels
• “spural” stamps on tiles, a sign of public use

Founded

2004

Visitors per year

approx. 293

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

At a past edition of the Notti dell’Archeologia (Archaeology Nights) the guided visit to the excavation area was listed as not accessible to people with disabilities.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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