JUNE 11, 2005 – MONTECANTINI TERME DAY 2
I was thankful for the small gym in the hotel, and after an early workout on the treadmill and a light breakfast at the Panoramic, I was ready to explore this lovely spa town.
First stop – Terme Tettuccio
https://www.termemontecatini.it/en/thermal-baths/
Tettuccio is one of several spas set in a park inside the town of Montecatini Terme. The Tettuccio spring is on the property; the name Tettuccio refers to the little roof found over the spa’s source when the spa was being built to its modern configuration.
The therapeutic properties of the waters in this area were already known about in Roman times, and many of these spas are built in Art Nouveau style. Il Tettuccio – one of the first establishments – is regarded as the symbol of the town.
Known for their curative powers—and, at least once upon a time, for their great popularity among the wealthy—the mineral springs flow from five sources and are taken for a variety of ailments, including liver and skin disorders.
Those “taking the cure” report each morning to one of the town’s stabilimenti termali (thermal establishments) to drink their prescribed cupful of water. Afterward, guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, read the newspaper, recline and listen to music, or walk in the parks that surround these grand old spas.
I decided to taste (for 6 euros) one of these curative waters – and had the following four to choose from
- Leopoldina Waters – “indicated for the treatment of chronic constipation. Normal bowel function is generally restored whenever treatment cycles are spaced at 4/6 month intervals.”
- Regina Waters – “restores a regular bile flow from the liver to the bowels and are useful in the case of hepatic and bladder disorders.”
- Tettuccio Waters – “effective in the depurative process of the liver, and can help reduce cholesterol levels.”
- Rinfresco Waters – The “diuretic waters favor the process of waste elimination through the urinary system as well as the restoration of normal saline levels after prolonged sports activities.”
I decided on the Rinfresco as that sounded like it would have the least possible after effects (I didn’t want to spoil my trip with a regular bile flow (!) or mess with the depurative process of my liver (whatever that means:) –
The rinfresco water was god awful….warm, really salty, strong strong mineral taste. The only effect I noticed was that it made me tired and thirsty. Didn’t notice any diuretic properties, I mostly swelled up, particularly around my eyes! Maybe you need to do it for 12 days in a row as suggested, but not an experience I wished to repeat.
But the spa itself (which only offers the waters, no spa treatments) is beautiful – romanesque buildings with gorgeous frescoes
and tuxedo clad musicians playing Puccini !
Being sleepy wasn’t too much of a problem as next stop was a mineral bath and hot stone massage at the hotel.
Quite divine, a truly relaxing experience (evidenced by the nap immediately after), then enjoyed a quiet dinner at the Panoramic and a second night’s deep and restful sleep.