‘It’s as if we found oil’: Tuscan town savours discovery of spa trove

She was a child when she went down the steep hill to take a dip in the two ancient hot springs.

She didn't know that a sanctuary built by the Etruscans in the second century BC contained a trove of treasures that could help reverse the fortunes of the town.

Canuti mentioned that they used to gather at the springs for parties. We were always curious as to why nothing relevant had ever been found, even though the treasures were close by. The area is rich in spas built by the Etruscans and Romans, and there are plenty of relics found in towns nearby.

The mayor was curious as well. She helped to set in motion an archaeological project that led to the discovery of 24 bronze statues, mostly dedicated to the gods, buried in the ruins of a network of thermal springs that had been a place of worship.

Carletti said it was like they found oil. It is possible that all these gods are bringing us good fortune. She hoped the find would boost tourism in a town facing economic challenges.

There was a statue of Apollo, the god of sun and light, and a sleeping ephebe next to the goddess of health.

The statues, which experts say were commissioned by wealthy families in the area, once adorned the rim of the baths before being immersed into the water.

6,000 coins and an array of votives have been found. There are figurines depicting the palm of a hand holding money, a penis, a pair of breasts and a child wrapped in clothes that would have been offered up to the gods and holy water in the hopes of bringing good luck.

The project is led by Dr Jacopo Tabolli, an assistant professor at the University for Foreigners in Siena.

During the Roman period, when it was frequented by emperors including Augustus, the sanctuary remained active until the 5th century AD, but was closed down during Christian times. The divine statues were left in the water and the pools were sealed with stone pillars.

Tabolli said that the water was good for the body. The theme of natality was important because there was a lot of ritualistic practice related to pregnancies. This was poisonous and definitely not for drinking.

Etruscan and Roman inscriptions have been found at the site, and Tabolli said the artefacts uncovered so far represented an important testament to the transition between the two historical periods.

The site was paid for by the Christian era to be used for pagan rituals, but the baths next to the sanctuary drew visitors from across Europe during the Renaissance.

When the Medicis built a structure at the site in 1585, they found relics, including altars, that were taken to the nearby Roman baths of Fontaverde, where the Florentine banking family built a palace.

The discoveries at San Casciano dei Bagni are creating a buzz in the town, despite the fact that Fontaverde has captured most of the hot-Spring fame to date. The Italian ministry of culture plans to create a museum in a 16th-century building that will house the relics.

The site is going to be turned into an archaeological park when excavations resume next summer.

While bathing in the thermal springs under the light of a full moon, a visitor from Perugia was surprised to see an archaeological delight nearby.

She wondered what was behind the fence. I have been coming to the springs for 25 years. I feel like I have had a massage when I emerge from the bath. I hope the fame doesn't change anything.