Explore the World. Part 4. Montecatini Terme, Italy

Hello all!

I know when you think of Europe or traveling there you have certain places in mind, usually major cities such as London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan etc. However, there are equally smaller beautiful towns that also highly contribute to Europe being the most visited continent in the world. Last year I had an opportunity to visit one such small town named Montecatini Terme.

Where is Montecatini Terme?

Italy’s Tuscany Region has a province by the name of Pistoia where Montecatini lies in the South West area and is notably one of the major settlements there. The town can also be said to stand between the cities of Florence, Renaissance’s birthplace and Lucca. In fact, you will have to pass through one of either depending on which side you are approaching Montecatini Terme from.

There is no direct flight to the town as it has no airport but the Florence and Pisa International (Galileo Galilei) Airports which are nearby will give you a point of entry. Note that the Florence Airport which I used is much closer to Montecatini than its counterpart. However, from both airports, you can access either taxi, bus or train transport services to the town.

What is in Montecatini?

Good question as you do not want to travel halfway across the world only to find your destination is as plain as a field. Do you love getting pampered at your local spa? Now imagine the same only in compelling natural hot springs surrounded by architecture from hundreds of centuries ago. One word, breathtaking!

Yes, the healing thermal waters of Montecatini are its crown jewels, some of which date back as early as the 18th century. The spas caused Montecatini to receive many rich, noble, and famous guests over the years making the town appear even more desirable to others. Consequently, creating an increase in tourists like you and me which resulted in the start of many industries in the town such as hotels, theatres, restaurants etc.

Why are these thermal waters popular?

Other than the rich green and medieval architecture surrounding most thermal spots, its benefits are what capture most. The waters are used for:

Drinking

How many times have you heard the phrase water is "essential"? Enough, that is how many. So I will instead tell you that drinking water from the springs of Montecatini is highly beneficial as it contains a great content of mineral ions such as chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, fluoride, hydrogen-carbonate among others. Each spring’s water has a distinct mineral profile from the next one. Depending on mineral content the waters when drunk:

· Promote normal bowel functioning and treat chronic constipation

· Prevent and treat liver issues, gallbladder diseases among others

· Help manage cholesterol levels and diabetes

· Give anti-aging properties for your skin

· Give beauty/aesthetic advantages such as clear skin

It is important to note that if you have any health conditions such as heart problems, consult your doctor before drinking these waters to avoid them doing more harm than good.

Thermal baths and Spa therapies

Now that you have received your dose of minerals, what is next? How about you go for that pampering we were talking about earlier. Montecatini’s old and new; indoor and outdoor spas offer a variety of both traditional therapy treatments and modernized wellness and beauty packages that include:

· Massages such as hot stone, back, hydro, leg and abdomen toning massages among others for the relaxation of your muscles and aiding bodily functions

· Mud-bath treatments that sort out various body aches and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

· Thermal beauty facials that include a customized facial depending on your skin type, advanced anti-age facials that help rid wrinkles, thermal facial masks that restore skin hydration and elasticity etc.

· Anti-cellulite and slimming thermal treatments and programs

· Thermal pools that offer you a chance to swim in the heated waters that help ease vascular and rheumatic conditions

· Physiotherapy services that you will mainly find in gyms and the pools

What are some of these spas?

I know you are curious to find out so I will just dig into it. They include:

Terme di Tettuccio

Tettuccio is Montecatini’s most famous and oldest (14th century) spa thus considered as the town’s historic center. Its waters which spring from 4 different sources namely Leopoldina, Regina, Rinfresco, and Tettuccio are said to have similar properties with organic liquids.

Note that this outdoor spa mainly offers the traditional simple healing treatments such as drinking the water, swimming in the Leopoldina pool etc. A shell-shaped fountain at the entrance, a garden with 100 year old trees and the dazzling architecture within and outside the spa is something worth mentioning.

Terme Redi

For more modernized therapies such as mud baths, massages, facials, inhalation therapy visit Terme Redi. These therapies are made possible by its rich mineral content. However, it is mainly an indoor establishment that has seen renovations in the recent past.

Other spas and hot springs across the town include Terme Regina, Saturnia and San Filippo hot springs, Columbia hotel spa among others.

What else can I do I Montecatini?

Take a few detours from the comfort of hot springs and:

· Stop by Scrabino Art School and get to see hundreds of artworks done by artists such as Galileo Chini, Lorenzo Viani among others.

· Shop for handcrafted items and Italian clothes and shoes in any of the small or large stores and markets.

· Eat and sample local dishes and snacks such as the almond based Cialde biscuit at the any of the many restaurants and hotels in Montecatini

· Have a picnic with your loved ones at any of the beautiful gardens all over the city some of which are outside the spas

· Take a cable car and visit Montecatini Alto, the oldest village near the town with medieval origins

If you are looking to vacate and relax in a quiet little town and still get your money’s worth, Montecatini Terme is a great pick!

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