Tuscany thermal baths: Terme della Via Francigena
Content
The Terme della Via Francigena (also known as Terme di Gambassi) are located in the center of Gambassi Terme, a small town in the Valdelsa valley between Florence, San Gimignano, and Volterra. The compact facility offers an indoor pool heated to 34°C, an outdoor pool (open in summer), a sauna, and a steam room. A day pass costs €40 (as of 2026).
Terme di Gambassi at a glance
- Location: Piazza Giuseppe Di Vittorio 1, 50050 Gambassi Terme (Metropolitan City of Florence)
- Water: Mineral water “Acqua Salsa di Pillo”; indoor whirlpool heated to 34 °C, grotto, outdoor pool in summer
- Entry (as of 2026): Day ticket €40, concessions €35 (including pilgrims and locals), children 2–12 years €25; rental items €3–10
- Opening hours (as of 2026): Daily 9:30 a.m.–19 p.m.; pools open on weekends and public holidays in two time slots (9:30 a.m.–14 p.m. and 14:30 p.m.–19 p.m.); spa treatments Mon–Fri 9:30 a.m.–18:30 p.m.
- Reservation: required, by email to info@termedigambassio.com or phone +39 0571 638863 – termedigambassio.com
Location and arrival
Gambassi Terme has just under 5.000 inhabitants and lies on a ridge in the Valdelsa valley. The town is a stop on the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome – hence the name of the thermal baths. Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury already mentioned the nearby Pieve di Santa Maria a Chianni on his return journey around 990.
- Car: from Florence via the FI-PI-LI expressway or the Florence-Siena motorway and then via Certaldo or Castelfiorentino.
- Train: The nearest train stations are Certaldo and Castelfiorentino on the Empoli–Siena line; from there continue by bus or taxi.
- On foot: Pilgrims on the Via Francigena pass directly by the town on the stage from San Miniato to Gambassi.
Where is the thermal bath?
View larger map
Water and applications
The Pillo water
The springs near Pillo were already used by the Romans. The "Acqua Salsa di Pillo" was officially recognized as medicinal water in the 1970s, when the first modern thermal spa was built; the facility has since been renovated. Treatments offered include drinking cures for digestive problems, inhalations for respiratory illnesses, and nasal irrigation for sinusitis.
Spa Area
Day visitors will appreciate the wellness circuit, which includes a heated indoor whirlpool (34°C), a grotto, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish steam bath, and an ice plunge pool. In summer, an outdoor pool and a solarium are also available. Massages and beauty treatments can be booked separately. A positive aspect is that the thermal baths are not oversized for the small town and have a pleasantly tranquil atmosphere.
Visitor tips
- Reservations are essential – there will be no space without prior registration.
- On weekends, you can choose between a morning and afternoon window; a full day at a time is not possible.
- Pilgrims on the Via Francigena receive discounted admission – bring your pilgrim's passport.
- Bring your own bathing shoes and bathrobe, or rent them on site.
Environment and alternatives
Gambassi is a good starting point for visiting San Gimignano , Volterra , and Colle di Val d'Elsa (weekly market on Fridays). In the Middle Ages, the town was a center of glassmaking. Florence is about an hour's drive away.
Other thermal baths within easy reach are Terme di Casciana and Montecatini Terme . You can find all thermal baths and free hot springs in our overview of thermal baths in Tuscany.
Find accommodation
Agriturismi and hotels around the town can be found at Booking.com in Gambassi Terme.
Find accommodation in Gambassi Terme
Frequently asked questions about the Terme della Via Francigena
How much does it cost to enter the Terme di Gambassi?
The day ticket costs €40, reduced price €35 (for example for pilgrims) and €2 for children aged 12 to 25 (as of 2026).
Do you need to make a reservation in Gambassi?
Yes, a reservation via email with your preferred date and time slot is required.
How warm is the water?
The indoor whirlpool is heated to 34°C. In summer, there is also an outdoor pool.
When is the thermal spa open?
Daily from 9:30 am to 19 pm; on weekends and public holidays the pools are used in two time slots from 9:30 am to 14 pm and from 14:30 pm to 19 pm (as of 2026).
Why is the thermal bath called Via Francigena?
Gambassi Terme lies on the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrimage route to Rome. Pilgrims receive a discounted entry fee.
