A must-stop during the tour that will take you from Lucca to Florence, is exactly in Montecatini, a town about halfway between these two ancient cities, which in the the Middleage were enemies and caused many troubles to Montecatini. In ancient times, there was only Montecatini Alto that in beginning of XIV century was well protected by strong walls equipped with 25 towers; unfortunately these precautions weren’t excessive because in 1315 b.C the city was the scene of a bloody battle between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Apparently a clash outcome for granted: on a side Guelphs could count on an army much larger, formed by the troops of Florence and Angioni led by the Prince of Taranto, Filippo d’Angiò, against only the armies of Pisa and Lucca...but as often happens, being too sure of themselves can be dangerous. Against all prognostication, Ghibellines won an epic battle led by two experienced warlords like Uguccione della Faggiola and Castruccio Castracani.
Later, in 1530, Montecatini was again in the middle of a war, this time between Siena and Florence that decided to raze the walls and towers of the rebellious city. For some centuries the history forgot this town until the late 20th century, when the small village built at the foot of the hill, became a famous thermal resort in Italy and abroad. Montecatini infact was enriched with hotels, bistrots, theaters but also famous nightclubs and even a casino. It wasn’t just a place for relax and fun, but also a cultural center where you could meet famous composers such as Giuseppe Verdi, Mascagni, Leoncavallo and immortal poets and writers like Trilussa and Pirandello.
Now it’s time to discover the two souls of Montecatini, riding our bikes! The rebel, medieval stronghold, and the place of relax not only for musicians and writers, but also for any person who’s looking for an oasis of peace!