Montecatini Terme, a town with 20,000 inhabitants, has always been synonymous with tourism, primarily due to its thermal springs. These springs have attracted many visitors since the 19th century, including notable figures such as Giuseppe Verdi, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Giacomo Puccini, and Vittorio Emanuele II. The most important personalities are commemorated on the Walk of Fame along Viale Giuseppe Verdi, where circular plaques feature the prominent names that have visited Montecatini Terme. Today, Montecatini Terme is protected by UNESCO as part of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe,” a group of 11 European cities that flourished from the Enlightenment to the 20th century. While much of Montecatini’s success is due to its thermal baths, the town is definitely worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of such attractions. The well-preserved historic center, with its parks, gardens, and Art Nouveau villas, offers plenty to see.
