Voices from the past

Montecatini Terme, known before 1928 as Bagni di Montecatini or the "baths of Montecatini", is undoubtedly one of the most important spa towns in Europe. The properties of its waters, used for hydrotherapy but also for beauty treatments and general psycho-physical well-being, have been noted since ancient times. They were later established in 1417 with the treaty "De Balneorum Italiae proprietatibus" by Ugolino da Montecatini, reader in medicine at the universities of Pisa, Florence and Perugia and considered later the "founder of Italian hydrology".
The building of the spa establishments began in 1733, and today they cover a surface of 460.000 square metres with mud treatments, baths, hydrotherapy jets, kinesitherapy in a thermal swimming pool, and rehabilitation therapies.
The thermal waters come from a stratum found at a depth of 60-80 metres. On its way to the surface the waters absorb mineral salts. When it surfaces, it is bacteriologically pure and can be used without any treatment. The first historical thermal spa named the Bagno Regio - today Regina - was later joined by the Leopoldine and the Tettuccio which was rebuilt in more recent times.

Don't miss...

Whoever decides to spend a stay devoted to well-being in this small Tuscan town - as in the past Giuseppe Verdi loved to do, and indeed composed some of his works in Montecatini - also has the opportunity to explore its artistic beauties. These include the frescoes and decor in Art Nouveau style by Galileo Chini on the vaults and columns of the town hall, the ceramics by Basilio Cascella on the inside of the spa buildings and works by many other artists from the beginning of the 20th century who have all contributed to making this "ville d'eaux" famous all over the world. In the upper part of the town, Montecatini Alto, you can admire the ruins of the old castle, at one time the seat of the municipality. Although it was partially destroyed in 1554, several towers and the Borgo gate remain intact. Also of interest is the Chiesa di S.Pietro Apostolo, which conserves signs of its Romanesque origins in its columns, capitals and façade. The adjacent museum houses a Gothic head of its patron saint Santa Barbara, a wooden Maestà and a Trionfo di Cristo.

Events

Some of the most important events in the artistic and cultural life of Montecatini Terme are between June and September. These include the Estate Regina, a festival of concerts and events linked to the world of classical music and the Cascata di Eventi, a festival of music, theatre, opera and dance.