Massaciuccoli

The main historical interest is the exceptional monumental baths of the ancient Roman villa complex that belonged to the patrician Venulei family.

Remains of the most ancient period attested in the excavation area are irregular buildings with a few ceramic fragments which date between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

To the monumental luxurious (otium) upper villa were added agricultural production functions lower down the hill (divided into two sections by the modern road).

The luxurious and ornamental development of the villa reflected the economic and political fortunes of its wealthy owners who came here to spend their periods of otium from Pisa or Rome, where they carried out their activities.

After the fourth century is the last agricultural work attested: numerous holes for wooden shed poles and by traces of planting and removal of tree species.

The villa, in a spectuclar setting and scenically integrated in the landscape, reflected the owner's eminent status and displayed his wealth and power.

A massive elliptical wall on the north side confirmed the prominence of the building and supported the upper terrace on which the church of S. Lorenzo now stands.

The thermal spa was on the lower terrace and has an irregular layout indicating it has undergone modifications and extensions compared to the original building.

On the south-west side overlooking the lake is an exceptionally large calida lavatio (hot bath), or sauna, with furnace underneath.

[3] On the east side of the baths were several residential rooms for reception and accommodation of guests, with rich marble wall tiles and mosaic floors which have been lost over time.

The remains of the lower building along via Pietra a Padule are today protected by a glass and steel tensile structure to create the Guglielmo Lera exhibition pavilion that allows optimal use and visibility.