MontecatiniTerme

Montecatini Terme is a comune in the province of Pistoia, within the Italian region of Tuscany. It lies in the Valdinievole valley, approximately 6 km north of the city of Pistoia and 20 km east of Florence. The municipality covers an area of about 44 km² and had a population of roughly 10 500 residents as of the 2020 census, with a density of around 240 inhabitants per square kilometre.

The town’s history dates back to Roman times, but it gained prominence in the 19th century when the hot sulphur springs, with water temperatures ranging from 29 °C to 35 °C, were harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Since then, Montecatini Terme has developed into a renowned spa destination, attracting visitors seeking wellness treatments. The thermal complex includes numerous hotels, nursing homes, and wellness centers that provide a range of hydrotherapy and physiotherapy services.

Montecatini Terme is also noted for its cultural heritage. The historic center hosts the 17th‑century Palazzo Vergatore, the baroque Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, and the late‑Romanesque Church of San Lorenzo. The municipal museum displays artifacts related to the region’s art and industrial past. The town is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, contributing to a minor local wine and olive oil production.

The economy is largely service‑oriented, driven by tourism, wellness, retail, and hospitality businesses. The town is connected to the major A1 Autostrada via the Montecatini‑Terme toll station, and the S2 railway line provides passenger service to Pistoia and Florence. Local transport includes bus routes linking the urban core to peripheral communities. Montecatini Terme also hosts annual festivals such as the “Festa della Salute”, celebrating its health‑related heritage.