Montecatini Terme is located within the Valdinievole actually is part of the eleven municipalities that comprise it. Human presence in the Valdinievole is very old. Probably since the area was frequented by Paleolithic hunters traveling, but only from the Mesolithic settlements are well testified that many, especially in the mountain ranges. Was the beginning of the history of this valley so rich in resources and scenery of
The Baths of Montecatini 1918
many struggles over the centuries that led to us as we see it today and we live. Early fourteenth century to the borders of Valdinievole appeared a new power: Florence. The Florentines first thing weakens what until their arrival had been the power domination of the Valley, Siena and Arezzo. But while Florence was about to realize his plans for domination in the north-west region of a revolt of the Ghibellines in the early fourteenth century was able to slow down this process. At the head of the revolt there was Uguccione Faggiola, who in 1312 became imperial vicar and master of Pisa and Lucca, Florence directly threatened. The war was inevitable because of that battle depended on dominating the entire region of Tuscany. The decisive year was 1315
Viale Verdi the end of 800
Uguccione tried to lay siege to Montecatini, a strategic stronghold, but thanks to its excellent location and the help of allies Florentine, the siege failed. On August 29 under the walls of Montecatini, there was the decisive battle. Army Guelph (Fiorentina and allies) was taken by surprise by the Ghibellines of Uguccione and after many battles, made of thousands of casualties and prisoners, saw the Ghibellines
winner. On 31 August also Montecatini surrendered. The following year Uguccione was forced to flee and took his place Castruccio Castracani Antelminelli. The latter became first lord of Lucca, Pisa and then managed to extend his power in Tuscany even more. In 1323 Castruccio tried to seize a stronghold of Florence, Fucecchio, but was forced to hurt
retire, so began a slow revival of Florentine power. In the centuries after the changes and the battles continued in the sixteenth Valdinievole but we must wait to find Montecatini directly perpetrates a major episodio.Nel 1530 at the foot of Montecatini was provided in tanks to contain the thermal baths, which had assumed the names of "Medici "or" round ", and" of blackbirds "or" the itch ".
Plant La Torretta in 1829 |
