Monsummano Terme
Welcome to Monsummano Terme!
If you find yourself in Tuscany, you can't miss a visit to Monsummano Terme, a town of just over 20,000 inhabitants in the province of Pistoia. This city has a lot of history behind it, as can be seen from the variety of archaeological sites and historic monuments that can be visited.
Physical geography
The territory of Monsummano Terme is divided into three areas: the hills of Monte Albano, the urbanized plain, and the wetland area of Padule di Fucecchio. The proximity of the Padule makes watercourses scarce, but there are exceptions, such as the Candalla stream that flows through the city center. It is worth noting the hill of Monsummano Alto, where there are now disused quarries.
History
The origin of Monsummano Terme can be traced back to the Etruscan-Roman era when Valdinievole was mainly a place of passage. In 1260, the castle of Monsummano Alto was built, which was at the center of the struggles between the Florentines and the Lucchese. After the conquest by the Florentines in 1331, the reclamation of the flat area allowed human settlement.
The 17th century was a period of great development for Monsummano Terme thanks to the construction of the Sanctuary of Madonna della Fontenova and other buildings to accommodate pilgrims. In the 19th century, the city became a political and literary reference point, thanks to figures such as Ferdinando Martini and Giuseppe Giusti.
What to visit
Sanctuary of Madonna della Fontenova
This sanctuary dates back to the 17th century and was built in honor of the miraculous apparition of the Virgin on June 9, 1573. The sanctuary is one of the most visited places in Monsummano Terme and is located in the lower part of the city.
Castle of Monsummano Alto
The castle of Monsummano Alto seems to date back to the Lombard era and was at the center of the struggles between the Florentines and the Lucchese, until the conquest by the former in 1331. Today, the castle is a symbol of the city and you can still admire the walls and towers.
City and Territory Museum
Located in the Osteria dei Pellegrini, built in the 17th century, the City and Territory Museum of Monsummano Terme collects various works of art and objects that testify to the history of the city and the surrounding valley.
Contemporary Art and Twentieth Century Museum
Ferdinando Martini's house houses the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Twentieth Century of Monsummano Terme, with a collection of modern and contemporary works of art. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Giuseppe Giusti Square
The main square of Monsummano Terme is dedicated to the poet Giuseppe Giusti, one of the most important Italian literature figures of the 19th century. The square houses a statue dedicated to him, which "turns its back" to the church, as a sign of aversion to the clergy.
Monsummano Terme is a city that deserves a visit, both for its history and for the natural beauty of the area. The proximity of Padule di Fucecchio makes this city a perfect place for nature lovers and bird watchers. If you are planning a visit to Tuscany, don't forget to include Monsummano Terme in your itinerary!
