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Just one hour from Florence
or Pisa Montecatini Terme is one of the European spa capitals and
has often been featured in films, notably Felini's 8 1/2. It began as a retreat for
royalty who came religiously for their annual 'cure' and has been the scene of social
gatherings ever since. It was founded and developed around its most precious riches, its
mineral waters. One of its most striking characteristics is the large green area in the
"heart" of the city. The spa park covers a surface of at least 460,000 sq./mt.:
a real "green citadel" amid the spas. The main therapy consists of drinking the
therapeutic water which is often referred to as a 'Drinking Cure'
The highly mineralized waters are used
effectively in mud baths, bathing, hydrotherapy jets, physio-kinesitherapy in a
thermal pool and rehabilitation therapies. They are also used for beauty treatments
and general psycho-physical well-being. Traditionally the spa treatments always went hand
in hand with leisure activities and shopping.
Moreover, there are many art galleries and
antique shops. Montecatini Terme is considered one of Tuscany's capitals of Liberty Style.
Many public and private buildings were built in this style, and are some of the
treasures still to be seen in the town hall, at the Tettuccio and Tamerici spa centers and
in the ball room of the Grand Hotel & La Pace.
A new addition to this historical town is
the ultra modern new spa, the Excelsior , which boasts of the latest equipment
and therapies, especially for pampering, slimming and toning. This has created an entirely
new, glamorous and affordable asset to the town .
There are many sports facilities in
Montecatini. An example is the golf course located a few kilometers from the city, near a
village called La Pievaccia, nestled among the rolling Montalbano hills. For those who
prefer spectator sports, the ideal pastime is to spend an afternoon or an evening at the
horse racecourse of Sesana. In addition, there are two tennis clubs, one of which is in
the spa area, two public swimming pools, an indoor and an outdoor one, a bocce court and a
clay shooting field, which is one of the best in the world. In addition, there are many
trekking and mountain bike trails throughout the city hills. Walking and jogging are also
possible in the large spa park, close to the center of the city. The selection of shows,
concerts and fashion events is quite varied. Restaurants, bars and shows are also part of
the tradition of Montecatini. Guests have their pick: they can choose from local
specialties as well as more sophisticated dishes.
There are many places of interest
worth visiting in Tuscany, which can be reached easily from Montecatini. By public
transport: in a short time, for example, you can get to Florence (1 hour), Lucca (1/2
hour), Pisa (1 hour), etc. By car: Montecatini lies in a strategic position to
reach Sienna, San Gimignano, Volterra, the Chianti area and the sunny beaches of
Viareggio.
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