The Santuario Ritrovato in San Casciano dei Bagni: Visit Tuscany’s Extraordinary Etruscan Discovery

Hidden beneath the thermal waters of a tiny Tuscan village for more than 2,000 years, one of Italy’s greatest archaeological treasures is finally revealing its secrets. And you can visit the place where it all happened.

When we think about Tuscany, we imagine Renaissance masterpieces, vineyards, medieval villages and beautiful countryside. But what if one of the region’s most extraordinary treasures was hiding beneath an ancient thermal pool?

Welcome to Il Santuario Ritrovato (The Rediscovered Sanctuary) in San Casciano dei Bagni, southern Tuscany.

Here, archaeologists uncovered an exceptional collection of Etruscan and Roman bronze statues, thousands of ancient coins, inscriptions and sacred offerings.

Today, guided archaeological walks allow visitors to discover the history of this remarkable site, explore the excavation area and learn about the people who gathered around these healing waters centuries before the Roman Empire reached its height.

And for anyone staying in southern Tuscany or northern Umbria, it makes a fascinating day trip.

What is the Santuario Ritrovato?

The Santuario Ritrovato is an ancient Etruscan and Roman sanctuary discovered at Bagno Grande, just outside the medieval village of San Casciano dei Bagni in the province of Siena.

The sanctuary developed around natural hot springs that were considered sacred.

For centuries, worshippers travelled here seeking healing, protection and divine intervention. They offered bronze statues, coins, anatomical representations and inscriptions to the gods associated with health and wellbeing.

The thermal waters preserved these extraordinary objects beneath layers of mud.

Excavations began in 2019, and the discoveries announced from 2022 onwards attracted international attention.

Among the most remarkable finds were 24 bronze statues, including representations of ancient deities and worshippers.

The site provides exceptional evidence of the relationship between Etruscan and Roman communities, whose religious traditions coexisted around these sacred waters.

Why are the San Casciano bronzes so important?

Bronze was extremely valuable in antiquity, and many ancient statues were eventually melted down and reused.

Finding so many bronze sculptures together, preserved within their original archaeological context, is exceptionally rare.

The statues, inscriptions and votive offerings provide a fascinating picture of ancient medicine, religious practices and everyday life.

Some offerings represent human body parts, suggesting that visitors asked the gods to heal particular illnesses.

Other discoveries include inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin, revealing how different communities shared the sanctuary.

These are not simply beautiful archaeological objects. They tell deeply human stories about health, hope, faith and the desire to recover from illness.

Visiting the Santuario Ritrovato: what to expect

One of the best ways to understand this discovery is to join an organised archaeological walk led by the local Eutyche Avidiena Archaeological Association.

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Your visit begins at the Stanze Cassianensi, a small archaeological exhibition in the Palazzo Comunale in the historic centre of San Casciano dei Bagni.

Here you can discover the history of the excavations through photographs, videos, explanatory materials and selected archaeological finds.

From there, the guided walk continues towards the Bagno Grande archaeological area.

This is where you can see the remains of the ancient sanctuary, its monumental structures and the thermal pools that concealed the treasures for centuries.

It is particularly fascinating to see an archaeological discovery in its original landscape, surrounded by the same thermal waters that made the place sacred thousands of years ago.

Important: The famous bronze statues discovered between 2022 and 2024 are not currently exhibited at the archaeological site. They have been undergoing conservation and restoration, while selected objects have appeared in temporary exhibitions.

A dedicated archaeological museum and park are planned for San Casciano dei Bagni.

How to book a guided visit

Santuario Ritrovato archaeological walks — visitor information for autumn and winter 2026

• When: Every Saturday at 11:00 AM, according to the organisers’ current winter announcement.
• Duration: Approximately two hours.
• Meeting point: Stanze Cassianensi, Palazzo Comunale, San Casciano dei Bagni.
• Organiser: Associazione Eutyche Avidiena.
• Telephone: +39 0578 58141
• WhatsApp: +39 338 154 7577
• Email: info@sancascianoliving.it
• Price: Contact the organisers for current admission costs.
• Languages: Ask in advance about English-speaking guides.

For official information, visit San Casciano Living or the Tuscany regional archaeology website.

We recommend booking in advance, especially if you are travelling with children or a group.

A practical tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The route to the archaeological site is quite steep, particularly on the way back to the village.

Can you visit the Stanze Cassianensi independently?

Yes. The small archaeological exhibition has separate published opening hours.

From October 1 to May 30:

• Saturdays and days before public holidays: 3:00–6:00 PM
• Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

From June 1 to September 30, and December 24 to January 6:

• Saturday to Monday: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00–5:00 PM

These are the published exhibition hours, not the guided archaeological walk schedule. Always check before visiting.

What else should you see in San Casciano dei Bagni?

San Casciano dei Bagni deserves more than a quick archaeological stop.

The medieval village is one of those beautiful corners of Tuscany where life still moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace.

Walk through its narrow stone streets, enjoy the countryside views and discover its historic thermal springs.

The area’s bathing traditions are closely connected to its ancient past, making the archaeology even more interesting.

We recommend leaving time for a leisurely Tuscan lunch, perhaps enjoying local pici pasta, seasonal vegetables, pecorino cheese and a glass of regional wine.

The surrounding countryside is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn.

A wonderful day trip from Tuscany and Umbria

If you’re staying near Lake Trasimeno, Paciano, Chiusi or Città della Pieve, San Casciano dei Bagni is a rewarding excursion.

You can combine the archaeological visit with a stop in Cetona, a stroll through Chiusi or a relaxed afternoon discovering southern Tuscany’s villages and countryside.

For families, history enthusiasts and travellers looking for something different from the usual tourist attractions, this is a particularly memorable experience.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Santuario Ritrovato?

The archaeological site is at Bagno Grande, near San Casciano dei Bagni in the province of Siena, southern Tuscany.

Can tourists visit the archaeological excavations?

Yes, through organised archaeological walks, subject to the current visiting programme and site access arrangements.

How long does the visit take?

Approximately two hours, including the introductory exhibition and the archaeological area.

Can you see the original bronze statues?

Not at the archaeological site at present. The major discoveries are undergoing conservation and are being prepared for future museum display. Selected finds may appear in temporary exhibitions.

Is the experience suitable for children?

It can be an interesting experience for school-age children who enjoy history and archaeology. However, the walk involves steep sections, so ask the organisers about suitability for younger children.

Do you need to book in advance?

Advance booking is recommended. Contact San Casciano Living using the telephone, WhatsApp or email details above.

Is the tour available in English?

Contact the organisers to confirm whether an English-speaking guide is available for your chosen date.

Discover the Tuscany that lies beyond the guidebooks

There is something unforgettable about standing where people once gathered more than two thousand years ago, leaving gifts to the gods and hoping that sacred waters might bring them health and happiness.

The Santuario Ritrovato reminds us that Tuscany still has extraordinary stories waiting to be discovered.

And sometimes, the most fascinating places are the ones you have never heard of.

Explore more authentic experiences, archaeological discoveries, food traditions and beautiful villages on Tuscany Umbria Blog, where we share our favourite places and local discoveries from this remarkable corner of Italy.

Visitor information checked October 2026. Opening hours, exhibition locations and archaeological access may change.