Montecatini Terme

Montecatini is really two towns; the older town of Montecatini Alto, on the hill, and the newer city of Montecatini Terme, in the valley.

Montecatini Alto was settled in the 11th century, according to the town web site, and grew to have 1,000 meters of walls (about two thirds of a mile), seven portal entrances and twenty five towers.  Unfortunately, the castle of Montecatini Alto was destroyed in 1554.  After a period of decline, the town is now a popular tourist spot, thanks in part to the funicolare (funicular railroad - see next post) that connects the upper and lower towns.