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Already in the Roman times Tuscany was the place to be for treatments in the warm volcanic bathes to cure all kind of diseases. All over Tuscany we find spas, but the spa of Montecatini is a story on its self.

Near the little village of Montecantini Alto we can find the spas. If we take the cable train downhill we have a magnificent view over the different termes. First in to view comes the Terme Leopoldine, built as a classical temple is named after Grand Duke Leopoldo I, who first encouraged the developement of the Montecantini Terme in the 18th century. Probably the most splendid is Terme Tettuccio, built in a neo-classical style with round marble pools, lots of fountains all set in Art Nouveau tiles. This is a typical roaring thirties spa where when one closes ones eyes, somebody can imagine to be in a novel of Agatha Christie. Further we find Terme Torretta, named after its medieval tower where we can sit down at tea-time and listen to classical concerts.

When one wants to stroll around it?s a good idea to go to Terme Tamerici, built in Neo-Gothic style, set between beautifully tended gardens. For most Italians the therapeutic quality of the spring water is beyond discussion. It is used to treat metabolic disorders, liver, stomach and intestinal complaints and rheumatism. Many different therapies are used, including mud baths and balneotherapy, but the commonest form of treatment is just simply drinking straight from the spring. Of course we can fill our bottles and take them home.

After a great day of resting and recovering from nowadays stress we can take the train back to the old village. Here we can sit on a terrace, enjoying some good food with nice wine, while overlooking the valley. A good advice is the kitchen of ?la Torre? at Piazza Giusti, already for over 40 years attended by the same family, who offer a great meal for a great price.

Montecatini Terme is a city of 21.000 inhabitants able to accommodate every year at least 1.700.000 tourists. Special accommodations are available for meetings, special events, symposiums and conventions.

• You can quickly reach the great art-cities of Tuscany: Florence 48 Km, Siena 80 Km, Pisa, 62 Km, Pistoia 15 Km and Lucca 29 Km.
• Montecatini is easily reachable and has a strategical position for those who intend to visit the rest of Tuscany.

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• Terme Montecatini