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These locales narrate millennial tales of thermal treatments, cultural traditions, and an intimate relationship between humanity and natural resources.
The thermal complexes, often set amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, serve as a testament to how communities have developed a profound understanding of the healing benefits of thermal waters since ancient times. The spas represent places of healing, relaxation, and socialization, intertwining the curative dimension with the social and cultural one.
The architecture of spa towns mirrors the style and trends of the eras in which they were developed, offering a journey through time with historical buildings, squares, gardens, and thermal facilities. This collective creates a unique experience that goes beyond the concept of physical well-being, encompassing the cultural richness of the populations that inhabited them.
UNESCO recognition underscores the importance of preserving these spa towns for future generations, encouraging the conservation and enhancement of their unique features. Promoting sustainable management, marrying tradition and innovation, is crucial to ensure that this precious heritage continues to enrich our world and benefit people harmoniously and responsibly.
Montecatini Terme, located in the heart of Tuscany, is a renowned European spa town, surrounded by cities of art like Florence, Pisa, and Lucca. Famous worldwide for its rich thermal springs, utilized since Roman times, it is now one of Italy's most beloved and visited spa cities, enriched by substantial architectural interventions carried out in the early 20th century. These additions include elegant Liberty and Neo-Gothic-style buildings that frame the Thermal Park. Montecatini Terme's splendor began in the 18th century, thanks to the foresight of Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo da Lorena. He initiated the canalization of thermal mineral waters and developed the concept of a modern spa town. During that period, the Regal Baths, Leopoldine Baths, and the Tettuccio were constructed.
Montecatini has transformed into a spa paradise and welcomed numerous illustrious figures like Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and Vittorio Emanuele II. In 2021, Montecatini Terme was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, along with Bath in the UK, Vichy in France, German cities Bad Ems, Bad Kissingen, and Baden-Baden, Spa in Belgium, Baden in Austria, and Czech cities Karlovy Vary, Františkovy Lázně, and Mariánské Lázně.
These 11 cities were chosen because they represent the significant European spa phenomenon, which thrived from the 18th century until the 1930s. Montecatini Terme, with its ancient Terme del Tettuccio and more recent Liberty and Neo-Gothic buildings, was among the most prestigious locations. Montecatini Terme is less than an hour's drive from Florence and Pisa, making it an ideal destination for those seeking wellness, culture, and soul-enriching landscapes. It has a lot to offer, starting with Montecatini Alto. This charming medieval village, perched 290 meters above sea level, is the historic center of the area, and it can be reached on foot from Montecatini Terme. However, we recommend taking Gigio and Gigia, the two red trains of the historic Montecatini Funicular, for a more enjoyable and romantic journey to Montecatini Alto. The funicular has been recently restored and offers a 10-minute ride through a stunning valley, providing panoramic views. In the center of Montecatini Terme stands the Palazzo Comunale, now housing the Montecatini Contemporary Art Museum, featuring works by world-renowned artists and frequently hosting thematic temporary exhibitions.
Just outside Montecatini Terme, you should visit Grotta Maona, one of the natural attractions of Valdinievole. This millennia-old natural cave is inhabited by a rare bat community and is the only cave in Italy with both an entrance and exit. It is over 20 meters deep and 200 meters long, and it can be visited every day from April to October on a 20-minute guided tour amidst stalactites and stalagmites.
Montecatini Terme's highlight remains the Thermal Park, surrounded by lush greenery. Within the park, you'll find the Terme del Tettuccio, the oldest in the area, featuring large halls and spaces exquisitely adorned by the most famous artists of the early 20th century. The Leopoldine Baths, built in 1775 by Grand Duke Leopoldo I of Tuscany, include a large thermal crater over 20 meters wide. On the other hand, the Excelsior Baths are housed in a splendid early 20th-century building and are now considered one of Montecatini's finest wellness centers. To complete the wellness experience of the thermal circuit, explore the valley hosting Montecatini Terme, a hub for three notable food and wine routes: the Valdinievole Olive Oil Road, the Montalbano Wine and Olive Oil Road, and the Lucchesi Hills Wine Road.
