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Sightseeing in Montecatini Terme - what to see. Complete travel guide

The Italian resort of Montecatini Terme enjoys a fabulous location at the foot of the Apennines, in the picturesque Nievole valley. This is a large thermal spring and spa resort that has gained worldwide recognition. Not only regular tourists and holidaymakers but also celebrities enjoy visiting this place. This region has many benefits such as the impeccable elegance and the atmosphere of luxury. Gorgeous parks and gardens create an idyllic view. Needless to say, the resort offers excellent service, making a vacation in Montecatini Terme even more comfortable and useful. The town’s streets still keep the rich heritage of the past. Take a stroll in the streets and parks of Montecatini Terme to enjoy the history of this settlement and admire its beauty.
Archaeological excavations in the region prove that the territory of the resort had inhabitants yet during the Palaeolithic age. These were the nomadic hunting tribes who were mostly living in the hills of the Valdievole. In the 14th century, the Florentines tried to capture this land. By that time, the invaders had already conquered Siena and Arezzo. However, Uguccione della Faggiuola, the leader of the Ghibellines, became the imperial representative in 1312. He started ruling in Pisa and Lucca. Three years after the appointment, the Ghibellines attacked Montecatini. The Florentines managed to repel the attack, but their luck didn’t last long. The rebels made another attempt to conquer the city and it was successful.
Florence succeeded in returning its territory only in the 20s of the 14th century. A hundred years later, the first baths opened in Montecatini. These baths were an essential part of the healing treatments. In 1554, the resort town became the epicenter of a military conflict between the two rival forces in Florence. In the summer of the same year, Siena occupied Montecatini. Local people were glad about this change because they disliked their former ruler. As a popular tourist destination, Montecatini started developing at the beginning of the 20th century. New hotels were opening in the region, and the quality of service was only getting better. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Nowadays, the town is conventionally divided into two parts – the old and the new. The old part, also known as Montecatini Alto, is located on a hill, the height of which reaches three hundred meters. To get to the top of the hill and admire the historical part of the town, tourists either need to walk or to use the cable road. Here it is important to mention that the cable road itself is a true attraction of Montecatini Terme. The age of this means of transport is more than a century. Do not worry about potential breakdowns – the town’s authorities keep an eye on the state of the historic heritage and maintain it in working condition.
Pay your attention to the mesmerizing views of the surroundings during a ride in the cable car. The panorama is so fabulous that the ride seems to be too short, and you almost regret reaching the top of the hill so fast. Here, you will see a popular local landmark – the Church of the Carmine. The shrine was built in 1764. Initially, there was a small Carmelite church on this site. However, the building didn’t survive in a battle. Local authorities decided to build a new church instead of the old one. This is how the white marble church named after Saint Jacob and Philip appeared in Montecatini Terme.
Nowadays, the Church of the Carmine is home to an antique altar. Made in the fourteenth century, the altar was brought to Montecatini Terme after the end of the construction works. The altar has only one nave but it looks majestic and elegant. The church has several precious artifacts such as the bas-relief of Madonna holding baby Jesus and the painting that immortalized the martyred destiny of Saint Sebastian. Several terracotta sculptures meet visitors at the entrance.
Young guests of the resort will surely find it interesting to visit Termeland. This is a popular amusement park with merry-go-rounds, various slides, and trampolines. The territory of the park is conventionally divided into several sectors. One of these sectors is dedicated to Disney characters, and another sector is inspired by medieval castles and fortresses. There is even an area where visitors can ride a car. A giant air-inflated Titanic is, perhaps, the most popular amusement in the park.
Older children will also not feel bored in Termeland. They can polish their skills in the shooting club or play paintball. If you visit the park with children and want a professional animator to take care of them, Termeland can gladly offer this service. There are professional babysitters and animators who keep an eye on children, so parents can relax and then return several hours later to find their child safe and entertained.
Car is a comfortable vehicle to reach Montecatini Terme. Road A11 is the most suitable. There are also trains to the thermal resort, and they depart from the nearby cities of Florence, Viareggio, and Lucca. Trains in this direction depart every thirty minutes and go straight to Montecatini Terme. Finally, there are buses that connect the abovementioned cities.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Montecatini Terme and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Montecatini Terme
♥   Castle 'Fortezza Medici della Santa Barbara' Pistoia, 12.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello di Prata' , 22.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Frederick II Castle' San Miniato al Tedesco, 23.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello dell’Imperatore' Prato, 25.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Porcaresi Castle' Villa Basilica, 26.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Montecatini Terme
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano' , 67.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna' , 77.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Cinque Terre' , 89.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale dell’ Arcipelago Toscano' , 132.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Montecatini Terme and around
♥   Art museum 'Pisa Charterhouse' Pisa, 26.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Montecatini Terme from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Old Town of San Gimignano

From the series “16 Most Fascinating Objects of Unesco in Italy”
On the territory of the historical centre you also can find some marvellous palaces. One of them is the Communal Palace, which was built in the first part of the 14th century. Nowadays it is a home for an outstanding art gallery. Gamucci Palace and Ficarelli Palace have placed in their halls the items from the main city museum. Experienced tourists try to visit San Gimignano at last weekends of July for the traditional art festival. … Read further

Fortezza Medicea Restaurant

From the series “The Most Exotic Restaurants in the World”
The spacious dining room, which accommodates about a hundred guests, was furnished in the prison dining room. During the reconstruction, the original equipment was completely preserved. Even the most economical tourists can have dinner in one of the most original restaurants on the planet. Dinner costs about 25 euros. The humble 'prison feast' consists of a meal and a glass of wine. All the dishes presented in the menu are fairly simple; Paste is one of the most popular among them. … Read further

San Gimignano

From the series “The Last City-Fortresses Survived to This Day”
Apart from the old buildings in the town were saved many old squares. One of the most beautiful is the Piazza del Cisterna Square. Next to the Piazza del Duomo Square there are a lot of outstanding buildings. The wonderful Popolo Palace is one of them. It is dated from the end of the 13th century. In our time the old city is known for its variety of unique museums and cultural venues. San Gimignano Museum has placed in two marvellous palaces. This museum is the largest in the town. The exposition is placed in 10 galleries. The most outstanding item of the museum is the reduction of the old town. … Read further
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Montecatini Terme

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Sightseeing in regions nearby Montecatini Terme

All about Montecatini Terme, Italy - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Montecatini Terme, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Montecatini Terme in few days.
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