"MONTECATINI ALTO" Montecatini Terme by Josibezz

Elegant, peaceful and relaxing, that's how I describe this place.

Montecatini Alto, about 200 or so meters above Montecatini Terme, is a well-preserved medieval town which may have been settled in pre-Etruscan times by Ligurian tribes. The Etruscans probably had a settlement here, as the Romans did.

Montecatini Alto first appears on a map in 1016 AD, well into the Christian era. It was subject to the usual conflicts between local aristocrats, invading armies, and Ghibellines and Guelphs, ultimately finding itself firmly within the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, where it remained until the Duchy was absorbed into the modern state of Italy in 1860.

A TUSCAN VIEW

Montecatini Terme, with its world- famous thermal baths, large parks and gorgeous gardens has been a busy health spa for centuries. High above, connected by a funicular railway that was built in 1897, is Montecatini Alto, a fortified medieval town commanding spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside which is dotted with many villages and towns, and divided by well-tended farms, vineyards and olive orchards.

Piazza Guisti at the back

Whether by the funicalar or by car as we did, you'll be immediately in the old town, where one can enjoy a plethora of ancient buildings, including the remains of a castle, a few palazzos and several churches. The main piazza is capacious, the winding and narrow streets evocative of an age long ago. There are spectacular views of the surrounding country, and a number of establishments such as bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.