An ideal day in Montecatini Terme

Tettuccio Spa, crocodile fountain close-up

Tettuccio Thermal Spa

The origins of the building date back to 1370, when it consisted only of a canopy, which protected the spring, hence the name Tettuccio. The first real thermal baths were built between 1779 and 1781 at the request of Grand Duke Leopold as part of the urban restructuring entrusted to architect Niccolò Gaspero Maria Paoletti.

Funicular and view of Montecatini Terme

Funicular to Montecatini Alto

The historic funicular, with its two red carriages – Gigio and Gigia – was inaugurated in 1898 in the presence of Giuseppe Verdi. It acts as a link between the lower part of the city and the hillside village of Montecatini Alto, offering a view of the city immersed in the harmony of greenery.

Tamerici Thermal Spa, the garden

Tamerici Thermal Spa

This spa is named after the Tamarix Gallica shrub that grew near the water spring discovered in 1843 by the Schmitz family, who owned the land. The building was renovated in 1909 according to the design of architect Giulio Bernardini, who, together with architect Giusti, combined Tuscan Renaissance with Venetian Moorish with typical neo-medieval and Byzantine details.

A room of the MO.C.A.

Mo.C.A. Montecatini Contemporary Art

In December 2012, Montecatini opened a new exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art. It is located in a building of exceptional beauty and historical and cultural significance: the 20th-century Palazzo Comunale. The occasion allowed for the restoration of marvellous spaces, used until 2007 as Post Office premises. In fact, this original purpose is recounted in Galileo Chini’s cycle of illustrated stained glass windows related to communication.

Town Hall, facade

Town Hall

located to the right of Viale Verdi, it was built from 1913 to 1919 on the site of the Grand Ducal Stables, to provide the town with a representative civic centre appropriate to the size and role it had assumed.

Regina Thermal Spa

Regina Thermal Spa

Built between 1923 and 1927 by Ugo Giovanozzi, this spa stands on a small hill within the gardens of the Tettuccio spa. There is an external portico flanking the entire building,

Pineta Public Park, large lawn in the foreground

“La Pineta” Thermal Park

In this vast natural area (approximately 75,000 square meters), created by Giulio Bernardini, the city’s numerous spas are located between small hills and promenade avenues. Through it, the Rio della Torretta river flows into a small lake.

Montecatini Alto view

19th century route to Montecatini Alto

In the midst of greenery, this historical path runs parallel to the Funicular route.

Starting from the lower town, to the right of the funicular station, the trail branches off through olive groves and woods, culminating on the Montecatini Alto hill, offering magnificent views of the entire town. Along the way are the Stations of the Cross.