Monsummano Terme

Another Medici project, mainly driven by Grand Duke Ferdinand I, was the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna della Fontenuova, which is steeped in miraculous stories. According to legend, a young shepherdess was helped by the Virgin Mary to find a flock that she had just lost: this proved to be the first of many visions that appeared to the local faithful, only kindling their fervour. The origins of the sanctuary are narrated in fourteen lunettes from the 17th century, which are frescoed in the loggia.

In order to take care of the religious pilgrims that the place attracted, the Medici constructed the Osteria dei Pellegrini (pilgrims' guesthouse) in the historic center's main square. Today the building houses the Museum of the City and the Territory, with exhibits that tell visitors something about the Valdinievole and about how the marshy Padule di Fucecchio was reclaimed. The museum complex also extends to the Villa Martini, which is home to the Museum of Contemporary and Twentieth-Century Art.

Montecatini Terme is another standout in the beautiful Valdinievole, thanks to its popular spa resorts with their elegant Art Nouveau architecture. After a relaxing massage and other innovative treatments, you can climb to Montecatini Alto on the historic red funicular.

Collodi too is definitely worth a visit, thanks to Villa Garzoni and its Italian garden. It would be a shame to miss out on the famous Pinocchio Park, the iconic wooden puppet born from the pen of Carlo Lorenzini.
If you love parks full of colorful flowers, you shouldn't miss the little town of Pescia, the homeland of nursery gardening.

The most popular events at Monsummano Terme most certainly include the Notte Bianca (White Night), a summer date that brings the historic center to life with shows, video installations, tasting sessions, concerts and markets. The cultural calendar of the little Teatro Yves Montand, in Piazza del Popolo, is also a rich one. Finally, the hamlet of Cintolese has the traditional Grape Festival in autumn.

Monsummano Terme is located in what is known as Tuscany's "Chocolate Valley": all the Valdinievole, in fact, is home to master chocolatiers who create some truly unique recipes of stunning quality and the richest aromas.

Apart from olive oil, charcuterie and local cheeses, you can also taste sweets and cakes typical of the surrounding area. These include brigidini from Lamporecchio; while cialde are a speciality of Montecatini Terme, and go especially well with coffee, Vin Santo and ice cream.