Casciana Terme
Don't confuse Casciana Terme with Cascina, Chianciano, San Casciano dei Bagni or Montepulciano.
Casciana Terme is the thermal spa town 35 km from Pisa with a population of around 3,000 while Cascina practically guards the gates of Pisa, 13km from the leaning tower and is 10 times as big.
Lucca, Florence and Pisa always contested Cascina until it was eventually taken by the Fiorentini in the 14th century.
Maybe they secretly wanted old 'Castrum ad Aquis' 'famed for its recuperative springs water since 1100 BC.
It took them another 150 years, however, but Casciana Terme was soon prime real estate for noble families who built their villas here.
The first spa building was constructed in 1311 by Federico da Montefeltro and was restored 2 centuries later for the arrival of Leopoldo I, the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
The current facilities date from 1870 and where designed by the same architect who built Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.
The waters originate from 3 separate springs named Sorgente Thermale (36°), Sorgente Mathelda (24°) and Soregente S.Leopoldo (19°).
If you've overdone the wild boar sausages, then this is the place for you; liver and circulation cures guaranteed, but don't miss out on the fine local wines.
www.termedicasciana.it |
