Hypochondriacs know this for one of Europe’s most pleasing spa towns. Its Acqua Santa spring, unique in Italy, is said to hold a miracle cure for liver complaints. The spa complex also embraces the springs of Sant’ Elena, prescribed for kidney and bladder problems. Italians take their healing waters seriously − the analogy with miracle-working statues and the like is inescapable − and a well-run little town of stylish modern architecture in very pretty surroundings, such as Chianciano is, attracts many visitors but not many foreigners among them. Some come simply to enjoy concerts and summer theatre, a bracing atmosphere (altitude 549 m), brilliant gardens and fountains and enchanting walks in mature broad-leaved forests − to take a mug of spa water for form’s sake and to have a good time far from the hurly-burly of organized tourism.