Bagni di San Filippo: Where Water Carves Stone in the Heart of Mount Amiata
Discover Bagni di San Filippo, natural hot springs at the foot of Mount Amiata: warm waters, white cascades, and pure relaxation. About 40 minutes from Podere Grotta Antica.
Alessio
At the foot of Mount Amiata, hidden among quiet woods and gentle slopes, lie the Bagni di San Filippo, one of Tuscany’s most surprising and scenic natural wonders.
Thermal waters have flowed here for centuries, patiently shaping the landscape like a sculptor: white cascades, mineral rocks, and steaming pools warm even in winter.
The most iconic spot is the White Whale, a giant limestone formation that looks almost dreamlike — soft, bright, and otherworldly.
Soaking here, surrounded by steam and greenery, feels like stepping into a natural sanctuary where time slows down.
✨ Curiosities about Bagni di San Filippo
The waters of San Filippo were already renowned in medieval times for their healing properties: rich in calcium, sulfur, and minerals, they stay warm throughout the year.
The White Whale still grows slowly, year after year, as thermal water deposits new layers of limestone — a natural sculpture shaped by time.
Few know that pilgrims once stopped here on their way to Mount Amiata, seeking rest and healing.
And even today, despite its popularity, it’s easy to find quieter corners if you wander away from the main path, where water flows like a whisper.
✨ Tips from the Podere
If you plan to spend a few relaxing hours at the hot springs, here are some local tips, plus places to eat nearby:
🍽️ Where to eat
Il Ritrovo (Bagni di San Filippo) — simple, warm Tuscan cooking; perfect for a cozy lunch after a thermal soak.
Il Barrino (Castiglione d’Orcia) — tiny, authentic, loved by locals; great cured meats, homemade pasta and a very genuine atmosphere.
🌿 What to do
Walk in the Amiata woods — just a short climb from the springs leads to quiet paths, fresh air and peaceful nature.
Castiglione d’Orcia & Tentennano Fortress — a small village with one of the most breathtaking views over the entire Val d’Orcia.
The Bagni di San Filippo are about a 40-minute drive from the Podere — a perfect trip in any season, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light paints magical tones on the White Whale.