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Montecatini Terme
Photo © APT
Photo © APT

Montecatini Terme

Thermal baths and Art Nouveau architecture in Tuscany Valdinievole

Montecatini Terme, located a few kilometers from some of the major Tuscan cities of art and the two main regional airports, owes its fame to the therapeutic properties of its waters, for the refinement of the buildings and for the architectural heritage built around the springs.
The perfect combination of wellness and health, Montecatini is a prestigious destination for all those looking for regenerating holidays, high-quality hospitality, opportunities for fun, sports, shopping and relaxation.

The 1800s saw an infinite number of kings and queens, politicians and businessmen, actors and dancers, cardinals and Presidents of the Republic walking along the Viale dei Bagni in Montecatini. Among the well-known names is Giuseppe Verdi, who often stayed in this area.

In 2021, Montecatini became part of the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. The transnational serial site "The Great Spa Towns of Europe" includes an inseparable group of 11 cities located in 7 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom), considered by UNESCO as the most representative sites of the important European thermal activity from the 1700s until the 1930s.

What to see in Montecatini Terme

Known for centuries, the Montecatini Thermal Baths owe their fame to the waters that flow from the depths of the soil and that after a long journey through deposits of limestone, jasper and clay, flow into spas immersed in wonderful parks including Tettuccio and Redi.

Montecatini is a perfect oasis in which to seek harmony and well-being: its pure and mineral-rich waters allow the possibility of a large number of treatments - based on water and thermal mud - and diving into the thermal pool fed by the source of the water, with a temperature of 33°C.

In the historic center, inside the 20th-century Palazzo Comunale, in 2012 the new exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art was created.
Worth a visit is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 1950s in place of a previous 19th-century building of worship.

The Castle of Montecatini Alto can be reached by funicular, two red-painted iron trains, in perfect Art Nouveau style and never replaced since 1896.

Known for centuries, the Montecatini Thermal Baths owe their fame to the waters that flow from the depths of the soil and that after a long journey through deposits of limestone, jasper and clay, flow into spas immersed in wonderful parks including Tettuccio and Redi.

Montecatini is a perfect oasis in which to seek harmony and well-being: its pure and mineral-rich waters allow the possibility of a large number of treatments - based on water and thermal mud - and diving into the thermal pool fed by the source of the water, with a temperature of 33°C.

In the historic center, inside the 20th-century Palazzo Comunale, in 2012 the new exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art was created.
Worth a visit is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 1950s in place of a previous 19th-century building of worship.

The Castle of Montecatini Alto can be reached by funicular, two red-painted iron trains, in perfect Art Nouveau style and never replaced since 1896.

Nearby

For centuries, the territory of Valdinievole, that extends between Lucca and Pistoia, has been a crossroads of cultures, exchanges, meetings. The area boasts famous spas with untouched nature and renowned artistic treasures.

A short distance from Montecatini is Monsummano Terme.
The special feature that distinguishes this place of relaxation is the Giusti Cave: an underground gallery located in a centuries-old park and so breathtaking that Giuseppe Verdi called it the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The Padule di Fucecchio, the largest Italian marsh, is a paradise for birdwatchers: it is home to 200 species of birds including herons, which nest here in colonies, to cranes and black storks.

For centuries, the territory of Valdinievole, that extends between Lucca and Pistoia, has been a crossroads of cultures, exchanges, meetings. The area boasts famous spas with untouched nature and renowned artistic treasures.

A short distance from Montecatini is Monsummano Terme.
The special feature that distinguishes this place of relaxation is the Giusti Cave: an underground gallery located in a centuries-old park and so breathtaking that Giuseppe Verdi called it the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The Padule di Fucecchio, the largest Italian marsh, is a paradise for birdwatchers: it is home to 200 species of birds including herons, which nest here in colonies, to cranes and black storks.

Events

The city annually hosts two festivals dedicated to short films in collaboration with the Municipality of Montecatini Terme: one organized by Fedic in the spring and the Montecatini International Short Film Festival in the fall.
Also held in collaboration with the Municipality are Champagne per Tutti (Champagne for Everyone), dedicated to Champagne from small vignerons, Acqua in Bocca (ma non troppo) (Lips sealed - but not too much), focused on book presentations, and Food & Book, a festival of culinary culture.
Moreover, the Montecatini Opera Festival is held every year.

The city annually hosts two festivals dedicated to short films in collaboration with the Municipality of Montecatini Terme: one organized by Fedic in the spring and the Montecatini International Short Film Festival in the fall.
Also held in collaboration with the Municipality are Champagne per Tutti (Champagne for Everyone), dedicated to Champagne from small vignerons, Acqua in Bocca (ma non troppo) (Lips sealed - but not too much), focused on book presentations, and Food & Book, a festival of culinary culture.
Moreover, the Montecatini Opera Festival is held every year.

Typical products

Not to be missed to taste in this area are the Montecatini Cialde, a delicious biscuit made in a light and nutritious circle, perfect with tea or sweet wines. They are made from two sheets of pastry with an almond filling in the center, without butter or other fats. They have been handcrafted by the Bargilli Family since 1936.

Not to be missed to taste in this area are the Montecatini Cialde, a delicious biscuit made in a light and nutritious circle, perfect with tea or sweet wines. They are made from two sheets of pastry with an almond filling in the center, without butter or other fats. They have been handcrafted by the Bargilli Family since 1936.

What’s nearby?

Must-see places, stage-by-stage routes, events and tips for your trip

Valdinievole

Valdinievole
A fairy-tale-like land, with its aromas of gardens and sweets
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