Thermal waters of Saturnia: unique benefits and properties
Deep in the Maremma land, where primordial heat meets ancient layers of limestone, lies a natural phenomenon that has spanned geological eras and civilisations, transcending the boundaries between myth and science.
According to legend Saturn, the god of harvest and abundance who chose this territory as his home, lost patience with men who were constantly at war. He hurled lightning at the earth and suddenly hot sulphurous water gushed from the crater, flowing through the valleys and plains calmed the spirits of humans, bringing serenity and harmony. It was the beginning of a golden age devoted to agriculture, hunting and love.
The unique power of the Terme di Saturnia's Spring between history, nature and science
Moving beyond the veil of mythology, what emerges from the depths of the earth reveals a phenomenon of extraordinary biochemical and geological complexity that still challenges modern scientific knowledge.
The Etruscans, Thanks to their spiritual sensitivity, they considered these waters a sacred manifestation, a point of contact between the earthly and heavenly worlds, where the energies of the earth took liquid form, gushing forth at a temperature equal to that of the human body: 37.5°C. The Romans, more practical, they called them Aquae Sanctae, recognising its therapeutic effects. As Bacci recalled in 1588: “Saturniae, item coloniae, balneum tras Umbronem fluvium, antiquum est... Extant et balnei antiqua vestigia”, evidence of the long history of this place.
A papal bull of 1188, issued by Pope Clement III and preserved in the State Archives of Siena, attests to the existence of a hospitale and a molendinum de balneo cum omnibus pertinentitiis suis, confirming that Saturnia was already in the Middle Ages an organised spa.
In 1865, i Baths were purchased by the Ciacci family. Later, in 1919, Gaspero Ciacci built the hotel. That very year was chosen as the name of the 1919 Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in the Maremma, a fine dining pieds dans l'eau overlooking the Resort's thousand-year-old Spring.
Today, Terme di Saturnia is a renowned SPA & Golf Resort 5*, member of The Leading Hotels of the World and continues its tradition as an internationally prestigious thermal destination. The excellence of Made in Italy hospitality, it is part of the association of historic brands and proudly carries Italian values around the world. It is also recognised as "Historic Trademark of National Interest" by the Ministry of Economic Development.
From Monte Amiata to the Source, a 40-year underground journey
The long journey of this prodigious water begins with the rain falling on the slopes of Monte Amiata. For 40 years, the water flows underground through layers of rock thousands of years old from the Pleistocene and Mesozoic eras, enriching itself with minerals in a way that is unique in the world.
The combination of constant geothermal pressure and the particular stratification of the rocks creates a process of mineralisation that makes these waters inimitable.
It then re-emerges in the natural Spring pool at the centre of the 5* Resort. On its surface course, it constantly feeds the Hot Spring Pools and crosses the fields of Saturnia until it flows into the iconic Cascate del Mulino.
Hydrogen sulphide. A natural ally for health
Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), present in the thermal waters of Saturnia at an optimal concentration of 14.5 mg/L, is now recognised as a real gasotransmitter, a bioactive molecule essential for numerous cellular processes that maintain tissue balance.
Due to its particular bioavailability, H₂S exerts multiple positive effects on the body:
- Optimises cell metabolism, improving cell functionality.
- Supports antioxidant action, strengthening natural protection systems.
- Counteracts inflammation, modulating inflammatory responses.
- Promotes tissue regeneration, stimulating skin and organic repair processes.
The combination of H₂S and the other minerals in the water further enhances the therapeutic benefits. Scientific research has shown concrete results, including:
- Reduction of muscle and joint inflammation.
- Repair of damaged tissue.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Regulation of skin keratinisation, with positive effects on skin health.
These characteristics make hydrogen sulphide a key element in the benefits of Saturnia's waters, internationally recognised for its therapeutic value.
Thermal bioplankton. A natural treasure for the skin
In the sulphurous waters of Terme di Saturnia, a very special element develops: the Bioplankton. It is a natural microbial system that arises under perfect environmental conditions and represents a valuable therapeutic resource, widely analysed by thermal medicine.
Bioplankton increases the bioavailability of minerals, making the benefits of water more effective and creating ideal microenvironments for the release of active ingredients.
Scientific research has revealed a distinctive chemical composition, which includes:
- Limonene (2,66%)known for its antioxidant action.
- p-Cresol (5.76%)involved in regenerative processes.
- Hydrocarbons and branched alcoholsuseful for improving skin health.
His antioxidant potential, amounting to 124,000 mORAC/L, is among the highest in the thermal landscape, thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds such as:
- Carotenoids and phycobiloproteins with protective function.
- Functional lipids and sterols with antioxidant action.
- Bioactive phenols with regenerative properties.
Bioplankton microorganisms cooperate with water minerals, creating an ideal environment for the well-being of the skin. Scientific tests have confirmed both its biological safety and therapeutic efficacy, also noting moderate antifungal activity.
Furthermore, strict controls guarantee the purity and quality of this natural ecosystem, which continues to be the subject of advanced studies.
Therapeutic properties of Saturnia's thermal waters
Thevery high antioxidant power, which can protect cells from oxidative stress. is hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), present in Saturnia's waters in ideal concentrations (14.5 mg/L).
Clinical studies (Pagliarini et al., 2005; Benedetti et al., 2010) have shown that the intake of these waters:
- It reduces lipid peroxidation markers by 36%.
- It decreases protein carbonyls by 48%.
- It significantly increases plasma antioxidant capacity (up to 2377±88 μmol/L), with effects lasting for weeks after treatment.
The thermal waters of Saturnia stimulate basal metabolism, reduce water retention, reactivate capillary circulation and increase liver cell activity resulting in lower blood sugar levels, increased production of bile for fat digestion and reduced intestinal absorption of cholesterol.
Drunk on an empty stomach and in small doses facilitates digestive processes and has a positive influence on gastrointestinal problems.
On the organism it has a strong antioxidant power and helps in the prevention by pathologies related to the unbalanced presence of free radicals
On the cardiovascular system with a skin vasodilation and reduction in blood pressure
Significantly improve quality of life
Average reduction in pain level
Significantly improve quality of life
Dermatological benefits
The sulphurous waters of Saturnia are particularly effective in treating skin diseases thanks to three main actions:
- Modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation.
- Regulation of keratinisation processes, improving the health of the skin.
- Strengthening antioxidant defences, protecting against cellular damage.
Their mineral composition is unique:
- Lithium (600 μg/L)Calming and regenerative effects.
- Strontium (11-14 mg/L): Anti-inflammatory action.
- Boron (>18 mg/L): Promotes tissue regeneration.
A study by the University of Pisa showed that, after 12 days of SPA treatment, patients suffering from psoriasis have recorded a reduction of 46% in the PASI index (13.4 to 7.2). This result was significantly higher than with topical calcitriol treatment.
Research has also led to the development of an advanced liposomal system applied to the waters of Saturnia, improving the delivery of thermal active ingredients. This system, combined with the microbiological purity of the waters (CFU/g < 100), optimises cell renewal, counteracting the signs of skin ageing and promoting healthier, more radiant skin.
Saturnia water then exerts a natural peeling action on the skin with exfoliating, cleansing and antiseptic properties.
Benefits on musculoskeletal disorders
The temperature of 37.5°C has beneficial influences on the immediate relaxation of muscles and osteoarticular symptoms.
These benefits stem from the unique combination of minerals and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), which acts at the cellular level.
Saturnia's thermal waters have proven particularly effective in the treatment of joint and muscle diseases, going beyond traditional empirical observations. Clinical studies have confirmed that sulphur balneotherapy, combined with physical therapy, leads to:
- Significant improvement in joint function.
- Reduction of pain with lasting effects for up to 12 weeks.
These benefits were measured using the WOMAC index, the gold standard for evaluating joint disease, which showed significant improvements in all functional parameters.
The sulphurous waters of Saturnia, thanks to their unique mineral composition, act through a complex and synergetic mechanism:
- Reduction of inflammationThey interact with biochemical mediators, such as TNF-α and COMP, involved in oxidative stress and cartilage degradation.
- Antioxidant enhancementThey increase plasma antioxidant capacity to 2377±88 μmol/L, protecting muscle and joint tissue from oxidative damage.
The optimal concentration of hydrogen sulphide (14.5 mg/L), combined with the sophisticated mineral matrix, makes these waters ideal for deep and lasting therapeutic action.
The beneficial effects are not limited to immediate treatment but persist over time:
- Documented improvements up to 12 weeks after the treatment cycle.
- Positive impacts on quality of life, such as reduced pain and increased mobility.
Benefits for the respiratory system
The thermal waters of Saturnia offer significant benefits for the well-being of the upper airways through two main mechanisms:
- Direct mucolytic action: Bioavailable sulphur helps fluidify secretions, facilitating their elimination.
- Stimulation of local immune defencesThey promote the natural protection of the respiratory system.
According to studies by Pagliarani and Benedetti, inhalations with thermal water from Saturnia, which is rich in minerals (2,790 mg/L), improve muco-ciliary clearance and boost local defences. This creates a lasting protective effect by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting regeneration of the respiratory epithelium.
Benefits for the auditory system
The thermal waters of Saturnia are also effective in the natural treatment of certain ear diseases, such as rhinogenic hearing loss. Studies conducted by Nappi (1992) have shown that inhalation crenotherapy:
- Significantly improves communication-critical frequencies (250-2000 Hz).
- Promotes recovery of Eustachian tube function and middle ear structures.
A 12-session course of inhalation therapy showed statistically significant improvements in paediatric and adult patients due to the interaction of hydrogen sulphide (14.5 mg/L) with tubal surfactant. In addition, studies by Fortunati showed:
- Hearing recovery of 37.6% at 250 Hz.
- Recovery of 35.2% at 500 Hz.
Clinical evidence on therapeutic continuity
- Reduced pain
- Increased mobility
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Daily autonomy
The numbers speak for themselves
Average reduction in pain level
Significantly improve quality of life
of therapeutic continuity prolong the benefits
What happens without treatment
|
|
Before (with treatments)
|
After (during interruption)
|
|---|---|---|
Pain |
Under control |
100% pain |
Mobility |
Fluid |
Return of pain, joint stiffness, fatigue |
Quality of Life |
Improved |
-45% |
On resumption of treatments
have regained their previous benefits
to recover the benefits
of therapeutic continuity prolong progressive benefits
Bibliography
Saturnia myth and history
- Bassani, Maddalena. (2013). Greggi e mandrie fra termalismo e profezia. Gerión. Revista de Historia Antigua. 30. 10.5209/rev GERI.2012.v30.41811.
- Nisio S. Gli sprofondamenti tra storia, mito e leggenda. Mem. Descr. Carta Geol. d'It. 2014; XCVi:271-296
- Acque sorgive, salutari e sacre in Etruria (Italiae regio VII). Ricerche archeologiche e di topografia antica, British Archaeological Reports, International Series 1067, Oxford 2002, pp. 278
- L'acqua del benessere. 1956-2006. Cinquant’anni di storia delle Terme di Saturnia. 2006. Stefano Tesi
- Bolla di papa Clemente III year 1188.
- Fiorentino, Eleonora & Peghin, Giorgio & Scalas, Andrea. (2021). Paesaggi termali. L’acqua come bene comune e dispositivo generatore dei luoghi. 10.4399/978882554071012.
- G. PAIOLA, Bagni di Saturnia, in «Termalismo e sicurezza sociale», 4 (1968)
- E. ROSETTI, L. VALENTI, Terme e sorgenti di Toscana, Florence, Le Lettere, 1997
- S. MASSONI, Terme e termalismo in Toscana, Firenze, Atti dell'Istituto di Geografia dell'Univ. di Firenze, 1976.
Saturnia geochemistry
- Barilaro, F., Bontognali, T. R., Mc Kenzie, J. A., & Vasconcelos, C. (2015, April). Microbial bio-mineralization processes in hydrothermal travertine: the case study of two active travertine systems (Tuscany, Italy). In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (p. 13809).
- Ronchi, P., & Cruciani, F. (2015). Continental carbonates as a hydrocarbon reservoir, an analogous case study from the travertine of Saturnia, Italy. AAPG Bulletin, 99(4), 711-734.
- Barbagli, A., Brogna, F. N. A., Callegari, I., Guastaldi, E., Liali, G., Marsico, N., ... & Trotta, M. (2013). Multi-isotope and Hydrogeochemical approach for characterizing Saturnia thermal groundwater (Grosseto, Italy). Acque Sotterranee-Italian Journal of Groundwater, 2(4).
- Yusif, S. Z. (2021, April). INVESTIGATION OF THE SILK FIBRE EXTRACTION PROCESS FROM THE SATURNIA PYRI (DENIS & SCHIFFERMÜLLER, 1775) COCOON. In The 9th International scientific and practical conference “The world of science and innovation” (April 7-9, 2021) Cognum Publishing House, London, United Kingdom. 2021. 794 p. (p. 126).
- Barilaro, F., Della Porta, G., & Capezzuoli, E. (2011). Upper Pleistocene- Holocene? Terraced-Slope Hot-Spring Travertine System and Its Modern Analogue in the Albegna Valley, Southern Tuscany (Central Italy).
Saturnia bioglea
- Bazzichelli G., Abdelahad N., Florenzano G., Tomaselli L. (1978) Contributo alla conoscenza delle comunità fototrofiche delle terme di Saturnia (Toscana). ANNALI DI BOTANICA. – ISSN 0365-0812. - PRINT. - 37:(1978), pp. 203-236.
- Centini M., Tredici M.R., Biondi N., Buonocore A., Maffei Facino R., Anselmi C. (2020) Bioglea as a source of bioactive ingredients: Chemical and biological evaluation. Cosmetics, 7: 81.
- Centini, M., Tredici, M. R., Biondi, N., Buonocore, A., Maffei Facino, R., & Anselmi, C. (2015). Thermal mud maturation: organic matter and biological activity. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(3), 339-347.
- Biondi N, Martina MR, Centini M, Anselmi C, Tredici MR. Hot Springs Cyanobacteria Endowed with Biological Activities for Cosmetic Applications: Evaluation of On-Site Collected Communities and Isolated Strains. Cosmetics. 2023; 10(3):81. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10030081.
General bioglea, not specific to Saturnia
- Mazzulla S, Chimenti R, Sesti S, De Stefano S, Morrone M, Martino G. Effetto delle Bioglee solfuree su lesioni psoriasiche [Effect of sulphurous Bioglea on psoriasis]. Clin Ter. 2004 Nov-Dec;155(11-12):499-504. Italian. PMID: 15861965.
- Carretero, M. I. (2020). Clays in pelotherapy. A review. Part II: Organic compounds, microbiology and medical applications. Applied Clay Science, 189, 105531
- Mourelle, M. L., Gómez, C. P., & Legido, J. L. (2024). Peloids in Skin Care and Cosmeceuticals. Cosmetics, 11(6), 202.
Antioxidant power/musculoskeletal diseases (Pagliarini and Benedetti's reference also applies to the section on respiratory diseases
- Benedetti, S., Canino, C., Tonti, G., Medda, V., Calcaterra, P., Nappi, G.,... & Canestrari, F. (2010). Biomarkers of oxidation, inflammation and cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis patients undergoing sulfur-based spa therapies. Clinical biochemistry, 43(12), 973-978.
- Benedetti, S., Benvenuti, F., Nappi, G., Fortunati, N. A., Marino, L., Aureli, T., ... & Canestrari, F. (2009). Antioxidative effects of sulfurous mineral water: protection against lipid and protein oxidation. European journal of clinical nutrition, 63(1), 106-112.
- Pagliarani, S. & Benedetti, Serena & Fortunati, N.A. & Nappi, G. & Calcaterra, P. & Mazzone, D. & Luca, S. & Benvenuti, F. & Francogli, & Canestrari, F.. (2005). Antioxidant prophylactic role of sulfurous water by thermal centre of Saturnia. Clinical and Thermal Medicine. 18. 139-148.
Hearing system references
- Nappi et al., Med. Clin. Term. 21: 215, 1992
- Fortunati et al., Bol. Soc. Esp. Hidrol. Med. X, 2: 75, 1995
Review of literature where Saturnia is mentioned
- Cheleschi, Sara & Tenti, Sara & Seccafico, Iole & Gálvez Galán, Isabel & Fioravanti, Antonella & Ortega, Eduardo. (2022). Balneotherapy year in review 2021: focus on the mechanisms of action of balneotherapy in rheumatic diseases. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 29. 10.1007/s11356-021-17780-0.
