Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme
Comune
Comune di Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme
Location of Montecatini Terme in Italy
Coordinates: 43°52′58″N 10°46′16″E / 43.88278°N 10.77111°E / 43.88278; 10.77111
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Province Pistoia (PT)
Frazioni Montecatini Alto, Nievole, Vico
Government
 • Mayor Giuseppe Bellandi
Area
 • Total 17.69 km2 (6.83 sq mi)
Elevation 29 m (95 ft)
Population (30 November 2016)
 • Total 20,474
 • Density 1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Montecatinesi
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code 51016
Dialing code 0572
Patron saint St. Barbara
Saint day 4 December
Website Official website

Montecatini Terme is an Italian municipality (comune) of c. 20,000 inhabitants in the province of Pistoia, Tuscany, central Italy. It is the most important center in Valdinievole. The town is located at the eastern end of Piana di Lucca and has a strong vocation for tourism, as well as industrial and commercial industries related to the spa, which in turn has increased the interest for hotel accommodation in the region.

History

Montecatini Castello, corresponding to the modern Montecatini Alto, grew in the Middle Ages on a hill commanding a marshy area. A spa already existed in the village, being mentioned in 1340 document. In 1315 it was the seat of the Battle of Montecatini. In 1339 the area was conquered by the Republic of Florence. Cosimo de' Medici built here a bridge to cross the marshes, but also had the castle dismantled.

The current spa town gew after the land reclamation program of Duke Leopold II in the late 18th century.

People

Christian Dior died in a hotel at Montecatini.

Giuseppe Verdi also lived for over 10 years in the city, benefiting of the local thermal center.

Twin towns

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