Montecatini Alto

Montecatini Alto is the historic hilltop counterpart to the spa town below. Its medieval fabric, elevated position and intimate scale make it an essential complement to Montecatini Terme’s thermal parks and Art Nouveau architecture.

Piazza Giuseppe Giusti is the natural centre of a visit. Around it stand the remains of the medieval Palazzo del Podestà and the Loggia del Parlascio, while lanes lead towards churches, defensive remains and viewpoints over Valdinievole. The square is also lined with places to pause for coffee, lunch or an evening drink.

The village is linked with lower Montecatini by the historic funicular and can also be reached by road. Check current transport operating times before travelling, especially outside the main season. Once at the top, explore on foot and allow time for the panoramas rather than treating the village as a quick photo stop.

Sources
Visit Tuscany — Montecatini Terme and Montecatini Alto
Visit Tuscany — five things to do in Montecatini Terme
Cover image by kajikawa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons