Montecatini Terme is derived from the word "Monte" (mountain) and the Latin word "catinus" (valley). Termeis is used to describe the thermal waters of the area. All the words together accurately describe the Italian town, which is most famous for its thermal baths.

In the beginning

Nomadic hunters roamed the Tuscany region of Italy during the Paleolithic Era and it is assumed that they made Montecatini Terme their home for brief periods of time. However, the history of  Montecatini Terme was not recorded very well and written history mostly dates back to the Middle Ages. During this period the town was under the rule of bishops from Lucca, which was a prominent city in central Italy. Uguccione of Faggiola became the imperial vicar of Lucca in 1312. He was also the head of a revolt that was responsible for decreasing Florence's' dominance over Italy. Several years later, in 1315, Uguccione attempted to siege Montecatini Terme. His attempt was a failure and was followed by several changes in power throughout Tuscany that resulted in a return of Florentine power. Montecatini Terme fully became part of the Florence rule in 1330.

Big discovery

A great discovery took place during the 14th century that would have a monumental affect on the growth of Montecatini Terme. Thermal waters were found in the town and their therapeutic, medical and beauty benefits were a growing trend across Europe. The first baths were constructed in 1530 to hold the spa water. The baths made Montecatini Termegrow in popularity with the Italian people and the Medici family even incorporated them into their Grand Dukedom.

Damaged city

Less than four years later, in 1554, Montecatini Terme was yet again under siege by another neighboring city, Siena. It was under their domain until Florence resumed control in 1561. The war was over, but years of battle had taken its toll on the city of Montecatini Terme. Beauty that once made Montecatini Terme flourish was disappearing quickly. The significance of the thermal waters had seemed to dwindled away with the crumbled city buildings and both would not find their rebirth for many years.

Start of a new era

Montecatini Terme was finally restored to its original glory in the latter half of the 1700s by the Grand Duke Leopold of Lorena. Starting in 1773 and lasting almost a decade, the restoration of the thermal waters and the recreation of Baths was begun. By the end of the reconstruction period in Montecatini Terme three separate Baths were produced: Bagno Rejio, Terme Leopoldine, and Tettuccio.

Around the turn of the 20th century the tourist scene in Europe was growing. Montecatini Terme was not forgotten in this tourism boost and the thermal waters that once made the city bloom were at it again. The baths were unique and drew in visitors. Numerous hotels were built and most were operated at a high level of quality. Casinos, restaurants, nightclubs, and parks were constructed to cater to the rush of tourists. Many celebrities and political figures of the early 1900s found relaxation in the city and that popularity lasted.

Today Montecatini Terme is home to the most popular thermal spa in Italy. Thousands of visitors travel to Montecatini Terme every year to enjoy to beauty of Tuscany and the oasis that the town has truly become.