Try out the Thermal Hotspot Montecatini in Italy
1. The history
2. The thermal baths
3. Montecatini Alto
4. Where to stay in Montecatini Terme
Montecatini in Italy is a vibrant, small Tuscan town with a lively nightlife and fashionable designer stores. Especially during weekends, you can experience the vibe on the streets and squares and in the local Tuscan restaurants, bars and cafés.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Cultural life has always thrived in Montecatini. The setting of the thermal waters gave unique inspiration to great artists. Music has, for centuries, played a significant role in the thermal town. Several composers have found inspiration during their stays in Montecatini Terme and Montecatini Alto, among these prominent composers like Gioacchino Rossini, Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi. In Montecatini, Verdi composed the third act of Otello. Also, Richard Strauss was one of the eminent guests of the thermal establishments in town.
A statue of the composer Giacomo Puccini was donated to Montecatini by the Russian artist and sculptor Aidyn Zeinalov | Photo: Travel In Culture
Both the Medici family and, later, the Lorraine family from Florence were interested in reclaiming the wetlands around Montecatini in Tuscany.
The wetlands and springs in Montecatini have always been reputed in Italy. The marshland around Montecatini is one of the largest wetlands of this region in Italy, also known as Palude of Fucecchio. The regional thermal sources have been reputed for a very long time. Even the Romans probably knew about the therapeutic properties of the thermal springs since there was already, at Roman times, a road passing close by Montecatini. Also, Hannibal of Carthage is known to have passed through the challenging swamps.
In medieval times, there was even an early spa in the area, and salt extraction from the water for health purposes took place. However, it was also a time dominated by prevailing fights and battles between the neighbouring cities of Lucca, Pisa and Florence. The marshes around Montecatini Terme made up the battlefield in this part of Italy. The Battle of Montecatini in 1315 resulted in many deaths in the muddy marshes.
Photo: Travel In Culture
For centuries to come, the area went through conditions of famine, malaria outbreaks, and other epidemics sweeping through the flooded marshland. Only in the 18th century did the area get under control. The Grand Duke Leopold of Tuscany came to Montecatini in 1772 and initiated the channelling of the mineral waters to drain the marshes. With him, the restoration of Montecatini Terme began. It soon became a cherished place for relaxation and thermal treatments among the aristocracy.
Photo: Travel In Culture
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Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, the development of the spa complex of Montecatini took off. The three original baths were the Bagno dei Merli, the Bagno Della Regina and the Bagno Nuovo. The latter today exists as Terme Tettuccio. Other baths were Terme Excelsior, Terme La Fortuna, Terme Nueve Redi, Terme Rinfresco, Terme La Salute, Terme Regina, Terme Tamerici, Terme Torretta and Terme Leopoldine.
A few of these spa baths are closed today, whereas others have been renovated and used as highly popular retreats and symbols of their glorious past. Visitors can buy a day pass to get access to enjoy the spa treatments here.
Terme Tettuccio, with its marble constructions and lavish decorations | Photo: Travel In Culture
The thermal offers include various types of treatments. The thermal baths specialise in everything from hydroponic therapy, mud treatments, mud-bath treatments, inhalations and thermal water drinking to thermal rehabilitation treatments, hydro-massages, slimming and well-being programmes.
The end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century was the time of the Belle Époque in Montecatini. Culture and art flourished and influenced the architectural style. Montecatini became a popular place to visit for renowned personalities. Today, you can see the names of famous people who have visited the small town on the pavement of Viale Giuseppe Verdi when you do the Walk of Fame.
Gioacchino Rossini used to stay at the Locanda Maggiore (Gran Hotel Plaza) when he came to Montecatini for inspiration | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Liberty style or Art Nouveau is visible in many places, from spas to hotels. The Terme Tamerici is a fine example of the interior decorations in the Art Nouveau style. An outstanding example of an establishment in its finest Art Nouveau style is the oldest thermal establishment, the Tettuccio Thermal Resort.
The place has existed since the 13th century, but the Florentine architect Ugo Giovannozzi restored the buildings at the beginning of the 19th century. You will notice the lavishly decorated entrance with the Liberty overhang, as well as the elaborate ceiling of the large hall, with many other architectural details. It has been named the Temple of the European Thermal Energy!
Photo: Travel In Culture
When you visit Montecatini, ascending to Montecatini Alto, way above the thermal Montecatini Terme, is just the icing on the cake. You take the small funicular, running since 1898, with a steep final climb to the summit, rising above the plain. The ascent allows for breathtaking landscape views, with its solid olive trees, scattered orchards and pastel-shaded rooftops.
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Montecatini Alto is a charming hilltop town accessible by a winding road or the funicular running every half hour. The place was once a medieval castle, the Tramontana Castle, of which you can see the remains on one of the two hilltops overlooking beautiful Tuscan scenery. Other intriguing sites in Montecatini Alto include the church of St. Peter, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower and the old Church of the Carmine.
The old medieval village features enticing narrow streets and a centrally located Piazza Giuseppe Giusti, where people gather in the small local restaurants and cafés.
Photo: Travel In Culture
If you feel up to hiking to the top instead of taking the funicular, you can do a 3-hour roundtrip to Montecatini Alto. In Montecatini Terme, you will start by taking the path to the right of the funicular station. You may ask for a map at the tourist office.
Read more about day trips in Tuscany: San Gimignano – Who Built the Ancient Skyline in Italy? and Best Things to Do in Florence in 3 Days out!
Read next: 3 Tuscan Towns in a Day
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Thermal Hotspot Montecatini in Italy
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Thermal Hotspot Montecatini in Italy:
Travel In Culture
Montecatini Italy
