Montecatini Terme is a spa and wellness town located about 1 hour (and €6.50 roundtrip on the bus) from Lucca.

Back in the 1500’s, baths were built but they were later destroyed in the many battles that occurred throughout Tuscany’s history over the centuries.  In fact, at one point the town was considered a health hazard due to the stagnant waters.

In the late 1700’s, channels were built to dispose of the bad water and clean up the place and new baths were built.

At the turn of the century, large, swanky hotels were built around the town and the waters and it became a very popular playground for the jet-set with nightclubs and casinos and such.

I did not go in any of the spas, but there are several huge ones built around a lovely park just on the edge of the town and several of the large hotels on the main streets tout pools.

It has a bit of a “Great Gatsby” feel to it.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.