The Terme della Baciocca are a small thermal complex built in the early 19th century by order of Elisa Bonaparte, sister of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, wife of Captain Felice Baciocchi.
Following his descent into Italy, Napoleon entrusted the government of the conquered territory of Piombino to his brother-in-law in 1805. In all respects, however, it was mainly the sister who took care of the management.
During research in the territory that was part of the Principality of Piombino, Elisa ordered the construction of a village near the ancient alum mines of Montioni. A hilly area immediately behind the sea of the Gulf of Follonica. In the surroundings of this village, having discovered a source of sulphurous water that flowed at 31°C, the Princess had thermal baths built for her exclusive use. The architecture of this complex built entirely of exposed stone, presents regular geometric shapes, such as the numerous arches, classic of rationalist architecture.
The structure has remained intact in its majority to the present day, only the roof and part of the floor are no longer present.
Inside, Elisa Bonaparte had two important marble bathtubs from Canova's workshop placed. Bathtubs no longer present on the site today but fortunately recovered and preserved. One is located in Follonica, inside the Ex Ilva park and the other in Portoferraio, on the island of Elba.
The ancient Terme della Baciocca are today located inside the Montioni Natural Park and can be visited for free with a short walk inside the park, where it is possible to continue the excursion through paths immersed in greenery, suitable for both trekking and mountain biking.