San Giuliano Terme: Villas, Culture and Thermal Experiences

San Giuliano Terme offers a range of reasons to visit: the history of its churches and villas, archaeological traces at Monte Castellare, the Eremo di Rupecava, and thermal experiences and local cuisine. When choosing a hotel, first consider which of these aspects you want to shape your stay. The following topics highlight different features, which you can prioritize according to your interests.

Churches and Villa History

The Pieve di San Marco in Rigoli has a three-aisled floor plan and preserves an original baptismal font from the Lombard period. The rectangular font is carved from a single block of marble and dates to the 8th or 9th century. The church thus brings together two distinct features: its spatial layout and a single historically dated furnishing.

The villa system of San Giuliano Terme began to develop in the foothills of the Monti Pisani from the 16th century onward, and reflects the tastes of the Pisan aristocracy. Villa Roncioni also brings together different aspects of architectural and cultural history. Its garden belongs to a villa dating from the late 15th century; the villa also includes a Neo-Gothic silkworm-rearing building with facilities for silk spinning.

The Fondazione Cerratelli offers another perspective: it holds more than 25,000 historical theater costumes. The costume collection is on display to visitors at Villa Roncioni. The theater costumes thus complement the history of villas and architecture with a distinct perspective on historical clothing and stage culture.

Monte Castellare: Archaeology and Plants

The Monte Castellare archaeological site preserves the remains of an Etruscan-medieval settlement. Finds from excavations there are on display in a permanent exhibition at San Giuliano Terme railway station. The exhibition and the site offer different points of focus: one centers on the finds, the other on the settlement remains.

Monte Castellare is also home to the Giardino dei Profumi, with aromatic and medicinal plants. The paths on Monte Castellare connect various points of interest, including the remains of the villa of Sigismondo de Bosniaski, built in 1870. Monte Castellare thus brings together archaeological evidence, a historic villa, and a garden of fragrant plants.

Eremo di Rupecava

The Eremo di Rupecava is built around natural caves. A church and two monastery buildings were added over the centuries; it was consecrated as a hermitage in 1214. The recommended walking or cycling route to the Eremo starts in Ripafratta and follows trail 00. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. The Eremo di Rupecava can be reached by car, on foot, or by bicycle, but is not accessible.

Thermal Experiences in San Giuliano Terme

At Bagni di Pisa, a thermal outdoor pool is located on the terrace of Bagni di Ponente, overlooking the park's greenery. The wellness center offers cosmetic treatments, a sauna, and a Turkish bath in the famous underground caves. The thermal offerings therefore have two distinct features: the outdoor pool with its park views, and the treatments and baths in the cave area.

Festivals and Regional Delights

Bagni di Luce is an annual festival in San Giuliano Terme in honor of Saint Bartholomew, patron saint of the thermal town. At Bagni di Vino, visitors can meet wine producers from the provinces of Pisa, Lucca, and Massa Carrara, and taste quality wines paired with food from local businesses. A municipal notice from 2026 describes this event; check the program for the next edition before your trip.

The Strada dell’Olio dei Monti Pisani also passes through San Giuliano Terme. Along the route, visitors have the opportunity to taste olive oil with the IGP designation. Wine and olive oil thus offer two distinct ways for travelers to discover local products alongside cultural and thermal experiences.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ripafratta, Arena Metato, Asciano, Gello, Molina Di Quosa-Rigoli, Madonna Dell'acqua, Bientina, Morrona.

For the main travel overview: Pisa.