Of the three most important municipalities in Val di Nievole, Pescia is renowned for its nursing-gardening vocation, whereas Monsummano and Montecantini are famous thermal resorts.

Whereas Monsummano vocation s a thermal resort was discovered almost accidentally in the mid-19th century, Montecatini`s founders were well aware of the properties of its waters.

After having been almost razed to the ground in the 16th century, Montecatini flourished again two centuries later thanks to Peter Leopold, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The land around the town was reclaimed and the first thermal baths were built in the second half of the 18th century.

It is only between the late 19th century and early 20th century, however, that Montecatini experienced a real tourist boom. It is in this period that its hotels, restaurants, theatres and even a casino were built to accommodate and entertain the many vacationers visiting the thermal resort. Many VIPs of the time used to spend relaxing vacations in this corner of Tuscany.

Nowadays in Montecatini there are about ten spas and various sources of thermal water. Moreover, Montecatini is an important congress tourism centre.

As we have already said, Monsummano thermal waters were discovered by accident: in the 19th century some workers opened a passage in the rock and found a cave similar to a natural sauna.

In Monsummano you will find also Villa Montevettolini, one the Tuscan luxury villas built by order of the Medici family (the villa is not opened to the public).