Montecatini Alto & The Funicolare in Tuscany
By Carl Scott
This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot specifically for our place in Tuscany, to highlight Montecatini Alto & The Funicolare. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons of FAQ’s and give you lots of information to help you get the most out of your Tuscan stay with us.
At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we understand that planning the perfect getaway involves many questions and uncertainties. To help you navigate through these and to ensure you have the best experience possible, we’ve launched our ‘You Ask, We Answer’ initiative. This approach isn’t just about promoting our Barns, Cottages and Barges; it’s about providing valuable information, solutions, and peace of mind to our prospective guests.
Anyway, this is the video, and the transcript is below it if you wish to go back over anything.
This is what I said…
Exploring Montecatini Alto: A Ride on the Funicolare Railway
If you’re visiting Tuscany, a trip to Montecatini Alto is an absolute must. This charming medieval town, perched above Terme Tettuccio and Montecatini Terme, is best accessed via the Funicolare Railway—an incredible engineering feat that has been running since 1898.
A Journey on the Funicolare
The Funicolare is a tiny cable railway that travels up an impressively steep hillside. For €7.50, you can enjoy a scenic ride in one of the two trains that counterbalance each other. As one ascends, the other descends, offering picturesque views of the Tuscan landscape.
As you ascend, you’ll notice the houses lining the track. It’s a unique experience, passing so close to homes on this one-of-a-kind railway.
The History of Montecatini Alto
At the top, you’re greeted by the beautiful town of Montecatini Alto. This quaint village boasts old buildings with Tuscan charm—faded paintwork, brick and flint structures, and the classic green shutters. The village is small, consisting mainly of restaurants and a few souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon.
One of the most striking landmarks is an old theatre, surprisingly grand for such a small population. The town also features the Church of San Pietro, dating back to the 11th century. Originally a Benedictine monastery, it offers stunning views over the Tuscan hills, including distant vistas of Pisa and beyond.
A Trip Worth Taking
Whether you’re staying at Casa Trebbio or exploring the region near Lucca, Montecatini Alto makes for an excellent day trip. Combining a visit here with Montecatini Terme offers the perfect balance of historical charm and natural beauty.
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