MONTECATINI TERME

town and mineral spa, Pistoia province, Toscana (Tuscany) region, north central Italy, in the Valdinievole, at an altitude of 89 ft (27 m), just southwest of Pistoia. Known since the 14th century for its warm saline springs, it acquired importance when Leopold II (174792), grand duke of Tuscany, built the first public baths. Unified under government sponsorship, its hot springs have made it Italy's foremost spa. There are about 250 hotels, and the saline waters are also exported. Transportation facilities include railway and bus services and the airports of Pisa and Florence. Pop. (1981 prelim.) mun., 21,505.