Probably since Paleolithic times, man has been present in Montecatini. It has been thoroughly recorded from the Mesolithic period, especially in the hills of the Valdinievole.

In 1530 at the foot of Montecatini, baths were constructed and adapted to contain the already known Spa waters, which had assumed the name "Medici" and “of blackbirds”.

Montecatini fell into poor repair due to centuries of battles and general lack of maintenance. Montecatini fell under the Medici who plundered mercilessly, even taking away doors and windows. Orders were given to "destroy the foundations", and so day after day, eight hundred men destroyed the walls, towers and houses, leaving only one hundred and sixty houses, three convents, the palace of the Podestà and the Palace of Justice standing after this onslaught. Montecatini had been destroyed.

The area became a health hazzard due to the stagnant water and so, channels were built for the disposal of water and the land was reclaimed. Baths were constructed to facilitate the use of the popular hot springs.

The following centuries more or less passed by quietly until the early 20th, when what was once a small village at the foot of the hill of Montecatini became "City of Bagni di Montecatini ". This name, however, was changed later to the present name of "Montecatini Terme. Over the same period, the tourist experience was diversified and improved. The hotels grew in number and quality. Montecatini soon became home to fashionable restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, and a casino. Celebrities began to frequent the city. With these celebrities Montecatini’s reputation grew. The reputation of the town was recognized with the visit from the leader of government, Benito Mussolini on May 16, 1930.

Today, Montecatini Terme is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for thermal spa tourism.

End Notes:
“Montecatini” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 21 July 2009. <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Montecatini_Terme&oldid=303315914 >