The odd little town of Chianciano Terme is, rather strangely, one of Italy's most popular spa towns. For most of the year it seems to stand forlornly empty and boarded up, a jumble of shabby 1960's hotels paying tribute to their 'international' heyday. A time when George Lazenby lookalikes would have strutted their lesser Bond-like stuff up and down the main street.
For a brief period during the summer Chianciano flourishes, it's faded stutters thrown open to the cooling breeze as throngs of well dressed Italians of a certain age arrive to take the waters. Known for it's healing properties, the water is reputed to cleanse the liver, kidneys and bladder, it also has the bonus effect of clearing out your sinuses!
Whether you choose to imbibe or not, this land locked, poor man's Monte Carlo is a treasure trove of sans serif signage and well worth a visit with your camera, even just for that.
Great shots , was this Geaorge Lazenby the actor who did the Scarlet Pipernil? Had a white streak in his hair .
Posted by: Nell | May 30, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Chianciano, fegato sano! My mother-in-law used to make the pilgrimage every year!
Posted by: saretta | February 13, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Very original to see a year's worth of photos all posted over a short period of time. A great summary, but I had thought you had abandoned the blog.
Posted by: travelingsuep | November 29, 2010 at 08:35 AM