Where is Montecatini Terme (Italy) located? A map of the country includes information about a small town in the Tuscan region. It occupies the eastern tip of the Lucca plain. This is a well-known resort of thermal springs in the country, it is called the heart of Tuscany. The city is located in the province of Pistoia, at an altitude of 29 meters above sea level. Distance to Pisa - 47 km, to Florence - 38 km. The resort area is called the valley of fogs. This is explained simply: due to the constant evaporation of groundwater, a light misty haze is formed, covering the foothills of the Apennines with the finest chiffon.
The entire infrastructure of the city is aimed at optimizing the wellness complex, known for its spa treatments and unique mineral healing water. However, the city attracts many tourists not only because of the opportunity to improve their health. Montecatini Terme has many cultural and historical sites. In addition, you can have fun visiting local clubs and discos, riding a funicular or trying your luck at one of the casinos.
Famous vacationers
Which of the world famous people visited Montecatini Terme (Italy)? At one time, the great tenor Benjamino Gigli liked to visit him. In addition, Ruggiero Leonquallo (composer) and Luigi Pirandello (playwright, writer) came to a small town. And even the most cruel ruler in the history of Italy - Benito Mussolini - has been to this resort.
In the spring of 2012, Svetlana Medvedeva, the wife of the current Prime Minister, was resting at the resort. The visit of a high-ranking guest caused a wide public outcry. In the hope of an influx of wealthy Russian tourists, all signs on local streets were duplicated in Russian.
Another entertaining fact: the famous director Nikita Mikhalkov made the film "Black Eyes" about the Italian romantic feelings for a Russian noblewoman in Montecatini.
Treatment
The city of Montecatini Terme (Italy) consists of three zones - the old district of Montecatini Alto, the resort area and the territory for tourists. Ancient baths are especially popular. Among them are Excelsior baths, at the disposal of which there are comfortable saunas, a beautiful fountain and modern equipment for carrying out all kinds of therapeutic procedures. Another famous swimming pool is Tettuccio. The first terms in the history of the region were discovered on its territory.
On the basis of the urban balneological complex of Groccio, rehabilitation programs, physiotherapeutic procedures, and massage are carried out. The complex has an outdoor pool and thermal baths.
Healing mineral water allows you to solve problems with the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, with metabolism, diseases of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
Montecatini Terme (Italy) has eight mineral springs. At the same time, five of them are used to obtain drinking medicinal water, and the rest are involved in programs based on taking baths with mineral water and mud treatment. Cosmetic and spa treatments are very popular.
Where to stay?
Are you planning to spend your vacation in Montecatini Terme (Italy)? Traveler reviews include information on local hotels. It is noted that accommodation in one of them will cost a tidy sum. However, in return you can get high-class service and more than decent living conditions. It is recommended to book a room in your favorite hotel in advance. This will save significantly. Nevertheless, one should not rely on low costs, since the resort in question has an excellent international reputation, therefore, prices there are higher than in Italy as a whole.
Unfortunately, in most hotels, even the most upscale, their own medical complexes do not function. This disadvantage is compensated by the presence of the city center of Groccio and a large number of special terms.
Verdi Street runs along the city park. It houses a tourist information center. Using its services, you can get answers to all questions regarding the urban infrastructure and the functioning of the health complex.
sights
From the resort to the historic part of the city can be reached by funicular. He began work at the dawn of the twentieth century.
Verdi Theater is one of the main attractions of Montecatini Terme (Italy). Reviews from enthusiastic travelers will leave no doubt about the need to visit this interesting place. The theater was erected in 1930, and soon music from Aida, a work written by the great master, sounded in its main hall. Giuseppe Verdi visited Montecatini Terme quite often. He wholeheartedly loved this city.
In the old district there are many different sights, from the observation deck you can admire stunning landscapes. Significant architectural structures - St. Peter's Church, Gusti Square , Roman Prospect, arched gallery on the street. Verdi and the city hall.
The area of the city territory is small - only seventeen square kilometers. The whole Montecatini Terme (photos are presented in the article) can be viewed in a day, and for this it is not necessary to use public transport. Many are interested in sitting in local restaurants and watching the locals. Among the culinary desserts, ice cream and small thin Cialde wafers with incredibly tasty filling are especially distinguished. A mass of impressions will be provided by an unhurried walk along the narrow city streets.
Fifteen minutes drive is the small village of Vinci. The famous Leonardo da Vinci lived in it. The house in which this world-famous Italian was born is today a museum.
Climatic features
The weather in Montecatini Terme has a beach holiday, and even in the hottest months the thermometer rarely rises above thirty degrees. The average temperature in winter is from two to ten degrees of heat. High mountains and dense green vegetation contribute to clean air and a favorable mild climate.
A bit of history
It is established that the first person in the vicinity of Montecatini Terme appeared a very long time ago. Even during the Paleolithic, this region was inhabited by nomad hunters. During the Mesolithic, the highest activity was observed in the Valdinolv hills. The center of this territory was the city of Montecatini Terme. At the beginning of the fourteenth century, over the lands of Valdinol, there was a threat of capture from the Florentines - the main rulers of the surrounding territories. However, the plans of the conquerors were not destined to come to life due to the outbreak of rebellion of the Ghibellines under the leadership of the Uguccione case Fajola. However, the latter did not achieve much success in the conquest of Montecatini Terme. Another contender for power in the region was Castrucho Kastrakani, but he also failed to subjugate the lands of Tuscany. Since 1323, the power of the Florentines began to slowly but confidently recover.
The year 1530 was marked by the appearance of the first bath houses in Montecatini. They were built at the foot of the hill of the same name. They were called the “Blackbird Baths”.
The period of relative lull was short-lived - already in 1554 the city as a result of the military conflict between Piero Strozzi and Cosimo I was under the occupation of Siena. As a result, Montecatini Terme (Italy) became a miserable dilapidated settlement with poor inhabitants. In addition, the area began to pose a threat to human health due to stagnation of water in the Fukecho swamps. Over time, local entrepreneurs managed to find support abroad. With the assistance of Count Leopold, drainage canals were built, as a result, the area began to recover. To attract people to the hot springs, the baths of Tettuccio, Bagno Regio and Terme Leopoldina were built.
How without shopping?
Resorts in Italy boast a large number of different stores. In this regard, the city in question is no exception. In Montecatini Terme there are outlets with goods of all price categories. The only inconvenience is that they work at the same time as the terms. Daytime siesta and the closure of all stores at 7-8 pm prevent you from enjoying shopping to the fullest. Tourists are pleasantly surprised by the fact that many local sellers speak Russian.
Get to the resort
Montecatini Terme runs through the A-11 motorway. It is also possible to use the services of railway transport. Trains from Florence, Lucca and Viardzheo regularly go to the described resort, they depart every thirty minutes and stop at both stations of the city.
Conclusion
Are you attracted to Italy for its beauty? Travel routes can be very different depending on personal preferences, however, Montecatini Terme is recommended to visit for everyone - lovers of antiquity, lovers of beach vacations, and those who wish to restore health.