Montecatini Terme, place of the seven thermal baths
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Montecatini Terme is the most famous spa town in Tuscany: a town of around 20.000 inhabitants in the province of Pistoia , between Florence and Lucca in the Valdinievole valley. Magnificent thermal baths, Art Nouveau hotels, and the historic funicular railway up to Montecatini Alto make the town a good destination for a day trip or a base for a longer stay.
Montecatini Terme at a glance
- Location: Valdinievole, province of Pistoia – approx. 15 km to Pistoia, around 30 km to Lucca, around 50 km to Florence
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021 as part of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”
- Highlight: Funicular railway from 1898 to Montecatini Alto – 2026 season: March 21 to November 1, return trip €7,50
- Thermal baths: historic thermal buildings such as Tettuccio, Excelsior and Redi; drinking cures and treatments by reservation only.
- Weekly market: Thursday morning
Funicular railway to Montecatini Alto (Funicolare)
The funicular connects the spa town with the medieval mountain village of Montecatini Alto . Opened on June 4, 1898, it is, according to the municipality, the oldest operating funicular of its kind. The two historic carriages cover a distance of 1.077 meters and climb approximately 200 meters in altitude – with a gradient of up to around 38%. The journey takes about 8,5 minutes and offers beautiful views over the Valdinievole valley.
Timetables and prices 2026
| One way trip | A round-trip ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 4,00 € | 7,50 € |
| Children 6–10 years | 2,00 € | 4,00 € |
| Children 0–5 years | Free | Free |
| Groups from 20 persons | – | 6,00 € p. P. |
- Saison 2026: täglich vom 21. März bis 1. November
- Winter break: Closed for maintenance since November 2, 2026; according to the operator, reopening is expected at the end of March 2027 (as of November 2026).
- Betriebszeit: 9:30 bis 24 Uhr, Abfahrten etwa alle 30 Minuten
- Valley station: Via Armando Diaz 22, a short walk from Parco delle Terme
- Current times and any changes: funicolaremontecatini.com
Tips for the trip
The trip is especially popular in the evening: many people drive up for dinner and enjoy the view over the illuminated plain from Piazza Giusti. Those who enjoy hiking can also walk part of the way up or down along old paths and purchase a one-way ticket. Montecatini Alto is also accessible by car via a winding mountain road.
Thermal baths in Montecatini Terme
Montecatini owes its rise to its salt and mineral springs. Salt production from the spring water is documented as early as 1340; from 1772 onwards, Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo had the marshes drained and the first large thermal baths built. Today, there are eleven springs within the town limits with temperatures of approximately 24 to 33 °C, some of which are used for spa treatments. You can read more about the baths in our article " Thermal Baths in Montecatini Terme".
The historic thermal buildings
- Canopy (from 1779, rebuilt in 1928): the most famous building with colonnades, frescoes and drinking fountains – a classic place for taking the waters.
- Excelsior on Viale Verdi: Thermal and wellness treatments
- Redi (1960s): Thermal baths and pool rehabilitation
- Other historical buildings: Leopoldine, Regina, Tamerici, Torretta and La Salute
Current situation of thermal baths (as of 2026)
The operating company Terme di Montecatini has been experiencing financial difficulties for several years. Some of the historic buildings are being transferred to public ownership (the Tuscany region is acquiring Tettuccio, Excelsior, and Regina, while the municipality is acquiring Torretta), while others, such as Leopoldine, Salute, and Redi, are scheduled for sale in 2026. Therefore, the availability of buildings open for spa treatments, tours, or events is subject to change. According to the operator, drinking cures, mud baths, baths, and inhalations are only available by reservation and with an initial medical examination. Please check the current status before visiting termemontecatini.it.
Those who simply want to relax in warm water will find many hotels with their own spa in the town – or can travel to one of the free thermal springs in Tuscany.
Sights in Montecatini Terme
Parco delle Terme and Viale Verdi
A large park with mature trees surrounds the thermal baths – ideal for a stroll. Art Nouveau and Belle Époque facades line Viale Giuseppe Verdi, the spa town's main thoroughfare. A "Walk of Fame" there commemorates famous guests, including Christian Dior, who died in Montecatini. The Montecatini Terme-Monsummano train station, opened in 1937 according to plans by the architect Angiolo Mazzoni, is also worth seeing.
Montecatini Alto
The medieval hilltop village above the town is the most beautiful local excursion: a small piazza with restaurants, the Church of San Pietro, a clock tower with only six numerals, and sweeping views across the plain. You can find all the important information about the sights and history in our article about Montecatini Alto.
Maona cave
The Grotta Maona cave is located on the road to Montecatini Alto. Discovered in 1860 during blasting operations, the visitor path leads through several levels for almost 300 meters, past stalactites and stalagmites. There is an entrance fee and, according to the local council, visits are only possible with prior reservation; it is closed during the winter months. Information and reservations: grottamaona.it.
Excursions in the area
Thanks to its central location, many cities are easily accessible: Pistoia in about 20 minutes, Lucca in about half an hour, Florence and Pisa in just under an hour. The seaside town of Viareggio is about a 45-minute drive away.
- Giusti cave In Monsummano Terme (about 5 km away): thermal grotto with warm water and steam
- Collodi (approximately 13 km): Pinocchio Park and Villa Garzoni – ideal for families with children
- Sesana Hippodrome: Harness racing track right in the town
Practical information: Arrival, market and history
How to Arrive
- Car: A11 motorway Florence–Pisa North, Montecatini Terme exit
- Train: Regional trains on the Florence–Pistoia–Lucca–Viareggio route stop in Montecatini Centro and Montecatini Terme-Monsummano
- Airports: Pisa and Florence
Market
The large weekly market takes place on Thursday mornings. The location was recently reorganized (in 2025, it will be in the area of the stadium/Via Maratona) – if in doubt, please ask at your hotel. You can find other markets by day of the week in our overview of weekly markets in Tuscany.
Short History
Montecatini Terme gehörte lange zur Gemeinde des älteren Bergorts Montecatini (heute Montecatini Alto) und wurde erst 1905 eine eigene Gemeinde. Nach den Arbeiten unter Pietro Leopoldo im 18. Jahrhundert wuchs die Kurstadt im 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert zu einem der mondänsten Badeorte Europas. 1928 kam sie zur neu gegründeten Provinz Pistoia, 2021 wurde sie mit zehn weiteren europäischen Kurstädten UNESCO-Welterbe.
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Frequently asked questions about Montecatini Terme
When does the funicular railway in Montecatini Terme run?
In der Saison 2026 fährt die Funicolare täglich vom 21. März bis 1. November, von 9:30 bis 24 Uhr etwa alle 30 Minuten. Seit 2. November 2026 ist sie wegen Wartung geschlossen; der Betrieb soll Ende März 2027 wieder aufgenommen werden.
How much does the funicular to Montecatini Alto cost?
As of 2026, a one-way trip for adults will cost €4, a return trip €7,50. Children aged 6 to 10 will pay €2 or €4 respectively, children up to 5 years old travel free.
What is there to do in Montecatini Terme?
Top attractions include a ride on the funicular to Montecatini Alto, a stroll through the thermal park and along Viale Verdi, a spa treatment, and a visit to the Grotta Maona cave. Lucca, Pistoia, and Florence make for good day trips.
Is it possible to go to the thermal baths in Montecatini Terme?
The historic thermal baths primarily serve as a place for drinking cures and medical treatments, which require reservations. Due to a reorganization of the operating company, opening hours are changing – current information can be found at termemontecatini.it. Many hotels have their own spas.
When is the market in Montecatini Terme?
The weekly market takes place on Thursday mornings.
Is Montecatini Terme a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Since 2021, Montecatini Terme has been part of the transnational World Heritage Site “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, together with spa towns such as Baden-Baden, Bad Ems and Bad Kissingen.
