Skip to content 
Bagni di Lucca is an enchanting comune located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, with a population of roughly 6,100 inhabitants distributed in 27 designated frazioni. This scenic town, situated in the Province of Lucca, has a profound history that extends to antiquity, with its hot springs drawing visitors since the Etruscan and Roman periods.
The first recorded reference to Bagni di Lucca, formerly referred to as “Corsena,” is found in an official document from 983 AD. This document outlines the transfer of territory by Bishop Teudogrimo to Fraolmo of Corvaresi. The adjacent environment has verdant chestnut forests, acknowledged by the esteemed Roman poet Virgil.
The region’s history is intricately connected with several governing authorities. The Lombards were among the initial known inhabitants, with their commander Alboin establishing a foothold in the Serchio Valley. During this era, they erected guard towers that were subsequently converted into churches, with Pieve di Controne exemplifying this metamorphosis.
Over the years, Bagni di Lucca changed ownership among many feudal families. The Suffredinghi, Porcareschi, and Lupari families dominated the region during the 10th and 11th centuries. By the 12th century, the municipality of Lucca had asserted dominion over the province. In 1308, a notable administrative alteration transpired as Lucca consolidated Bagni di Lucca with other settlements, establishing the “Vicarship of the Lima Valley.” This framework, which assigned authority of each hamlet to a member of the Bagni di Lucca parish, continues to impact local customs and religious practices today.
The 14th century signified a pivotal moment for Bagni di Lucca, as Lucca acknowledged the economic possibilities of the town’s hot springs. This resulted in the emergence of Bagni di Lucca as a destination for tourists, including prominent international personalities, establishing the foundation for its future as a distinguished resort town.
During the 19th century, Bagni di Lucca attained the zenith of its prominence, especially under the French occupation. The village served as the summer retreat for Napoleon’s court and his sister, Elisa Baciocchi. This era of magnificence was characterized by the establishment of a casino, which evolved into a center for nightlife and social events with an opulent ballroom for dancing.
Subsequent to the Congress of Vienna in 1814, Bagni di Lucca was included in the Duchy of Lucca under the governance of Maria Luisa of Bourbon. The hamlet thrived as a favored summer resort, particularly among English tourists, who founded a Protestant church in the vicinity. This era of plenty was not destined to last perpetually.
In 1847, Lucca, together with Bagni di Lucca, was transferred to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under Grand Duke Leopold II of Lorraine. The leadership transition initiated a downturn for the springs and casino as a destination, mostly attributable to the Grand Duke’s inclination towards a more reclusive lifestyle. The casino closed in 1853 and reopened in 1861 when Lucca joined the United Kingdom of Italy.
The hot springs, integral to Bagni di Lucca’s identity, are dispersed over the Lima River valley. Ponte Serraglio is the principal settlement in the thermal spring region, with supplementary springs and baths situated at Villa, Docce Bassi, and Bagno Caldo. These springs have drawn many prominent individuals throughout history, including writers and poets, with some reports indicating that Dante visited on his travels to Northern Italy.
The springs’ medicinal powers received scholarly acknowledgment in the 16th century when Fallopius attributed his cure for deafness to them. The waters, ranging in temperature from 36 to 54 °C, are abundant in carbonic acid gas and comprise lime, magnesium, and salt compounds. Dr. Montecatini of the University of Pisa, after whom the renowned “Montecatini terme” is called, further underscored their medical benefits.
Bagni di Lucca is renowned not just for its hot springs but also for its exceptional architectural attributes. The Ponte della Maddalena, also referred to as the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), is a medieval structure originating from 1100. It spans the Serchio River and is renowned for its unique high arch and the myth associated with its construction. Local legend holds that the devil assisted in the construction of the bridge in return for the first soul to cross it.
The town features several old religious buildings. The Pieve of San Cassiano, built prior to 722, has Renaissance artworks, including a picture by Jacopo della Quercia. Likewise, the parish church of San Paolo a Vico Pancellorum, established in 873, houses a collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
In recent history, Bagni di Lucca has commemorated its fallen troops with a war memorial at San Cassiano, dedicated to the dead of both World Wars from the town and its seven districts. The town’s extensive cultural legacy is maintained at the Bagni di Lucca Biblioteca, located in the former English Protestant church, which today functions as a repository for centuries-old archives and records.
Currently, Bagni di Lucca’s economy is predominantly dependent on tourism, using its hot springs, historical architecture, and premium lodging options. Although local companies manufacture paper, construction materials, and machinery, several individuals in the adjacent regions persist in agricultural activities. The municipality confronts the problems of modernity as certain sectors migrate to larger urban hubs like Milan. The lasting allure of its hot springs and historical significance continues to attract visitors, guaranteeing that tourism remains an essential economic lifeblood for this picturesque Tuscan comune.
Currency
Founded
Calling code
Population
Area
Official language
Elevation
Time zone
Italy, located in Southern and Western Europe, has a population of almost 60 million, rendering it the third-most populated member state of the European Union. This boot-shaped peninsula protrudes into the Mediterranean Sea, with the magnificent Alps delineating…
Genoa, the capital of Italy’s Liguria region, is the sixth-largest city in the nation, with a population of 558,745 inside its administrative boundaries as of 2023. This vibrant city, located on…
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany province, exemplifies a lasting heritage of art, culture, and history. Located in the center of Tuscany, this splendid city has a population of 360,930 as of 2023, while its metropolitan area has 984,991…
Breuil-Cervinia, officially designated as Le Breuil since September 2023, is a frazione of the comune of Valtournenche, Italy, located at an altitude of 2,050 meters (6,730 feet) above sea level. This scenic alpine resort, situated at the base of…
Courmayeur, located in the autonomous Aosta Valley area of northern Italy, is a scenic town with a population of around 2,800 inhabitants. This delightful comune is pronounced [kuʁmajoeʁ] in French and [kurmaˈjɛr] in Italian, and…
Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the southern Dolomitic Alps inside the province of Belluno in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, is a scenic town with a population of around 7,000 inhabitants. This captivating comune, often known as Cortina, is…
The Cinque Terre, an enchanting seaside region located in northwest Italy’s Liguria, with a population of around 4,000 inhabitants distributed among its five scenic settlements. This captivating segment of the Italian Riviera, situated…
Catania, located on Sicily's eastern coast, is the island's second-largest city, with a population of 311,584 inside the municipal limits. This dynamic city is the seat of the Metropolitan City…
Bologna, the headquarters and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, is the seventh most populated city in the nation, with a diversified population of over 400,000 residents representing 150 different nationalities. The metropolitan area encompasses…
Assisi, a charming town located in Italy’s Umbria region, is positioned on the western slopes of Monte Subasio. This picturesque commune in the Province of Perugia, home to over 28,000 inhabitants, has enthralled…
Casciana Terme, an enchanting village located in the core of Tuscany, Italy, with a population of around 2,500 residents. This charming village is situated in the province of Pisa and…
Chianciano Terme is a picturesque comune situated in Tuscany, Italy, boasting a population exceeding 7,000 residents and belonging to the Province of Siena. This charming municipality, located approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Florence and 50 kilometers southeast…
Situated in the scenic province of Frosinone in the Italian region of Latium, Fiuggi exemplifies the lasting appeal of natural healing and historical significance. This picturesque comune, home to over 10,000 inhabitants, is known for its miraculous mineral springs and enchanting…
Ischia, a volcanic island situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has a population of roughly 60,000, rendering it one of the most densely populated islands in Italy, with almost 1,300 individuals per square kilometer. This scenic island is situated…
Merano, a scenic municipality in South Tyrol, Northern Italy, with a population of around 41,000 inhabitants. This picturesque city, situated in a basin encircled by towering mountains, exemplifies the seamless integration of natural…
Montecatini Terme is an Italian municipality in the province of Pistoia within the Tuscany region, with a population of around 20,000 residents. Located at the eastern extremity of Piana di Lucca, this picturesque village has emerged…
Verona, situated along the River Adige in Italy’s Veneto region, has a population of 258,031 residents. Verona, the biggest city municipality in northern Italy and one of the seven provincial capitals of Veneto, has considerable influence beyond…
Venice, with an estimated population of 258,685 in 2020, is located in northeastern Italy and functions as the capital of the Veneto region. This captivating city is constructed on 126 islands, linked by 472 bridges and divided by…
Turin, with a population of 846,916 as of April 2024, serves as a significant center for business and culture in Northern Italy. Situated at the base of the western Alpine arch and beneath Superga hill, Turin predominantly extends along the western bank…
Jesolo, a lively coastal resort in the Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy, with a population of 26,873 residents. This seaside jewel has established itself as one of Italy’s foremost tourist attractions, with some…
Milan, a dynamic metropolis in northern Italy, is the second-most populated city in the nation, behind Rome. Milan has over 1.4 million inhabitants in the city itself and 3.22 million in its metropolitan region,…
Monza, an energetic city in the Lombardy region of Italy, is located around 15 kilometers north-northeast of Milan. It has a population of over 123,000 inhabitants and functions as the capital of…
Naples, the third-largest city in Italy, is a dynamic metropolis located on the western coast of southern Italy, with a population of 909,048 inside its administrative boundaries as of 2022. The province-level municipality of the city has a population of…
Pisa, an enchanting city in Tuscany, central Italy, is located along the Arno River, just prior to its confluence with the Ligurian Sea. Pisa, with a population of over 90,000 inhabitants, is the capital of…
Palermo, the dynamic capital of Sicily, is a city rich in history and culture, situated on the northwestern coast of the island. Palermo, with a core population of around 676,000 and an urban population estimated…
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a vibrant metropolis with a population of 2,860,009 inhabitants over an area of 1,285 km² (496.1 sq mi). This renders it the most populous comune in the nation and the third most inhabited city in…
Rimini is a city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, with a population of 151,200 in its urban area as of December 31, 2019. Located along the Adriatic Sea, this coastal treasure exemplifies Italy’s…
Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is located west of the Italian Peninsula, north of Tunisia, and roughly 16.45 kilometers south of Corsica. Sardinia, with a population of over 1.6 million residents, is one…
Sanremo, sometimes referred to as San Remo, is an enchanting seaside municipality situated along the Mediterranean coast of Liguria in northern Italy. This charming town, with a population of 55,000, has emerged as a favorite tourist destination on the Italian Riviera. Sanremo’s…
Siena, an enchanting city located in the center of Tuscany, Italy, is the capital of its eponymous province. As of 2022, with a population of 53,062, it is the 12th biggest city in the area. This captivating city,…
Sorrento, a scenic town situated on the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy, with a population of roughly 16,500 inhabitants. This picturesque coastal jewel overlooks the magnificent Bay of Naples, providing spectacular…
Syracuse, a historic city located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Italy, serves as the seat of the Province of Syracuse and has a population of roughly 125,000 in its core region. This historic city, strategically…
Trapani is a city and municipality located on the western coast of Sicily, Italy, with a population of roughly 70,000 inside its comune. The whole urban area, encompassing sections of the adjacent comune of Erice, has a population of over 90,000…
Trieste, located in northeastern Italy, is the capital and main metropolitan center of the autonomous region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. As of 2022, this captivating seaport has a population of 204,302 and is strategically located at the head of…
Recoaro Terme, an Italian municipality located in the province of Vicenza, with a population of 6,453 residents. Located in the upper Agno Valley at the base of the Piccole Dolomiti, this picturesque village is positioned at…
While many of Europe's magnificent cities remain eclipsed by their more well-known counterparts, it is a treasure store of enchanted towns. From the artistic appeal…
From Alexander the Great's inception to its modern form, the city has stayed a lighthouse of knowledge, variety, and beauty. Its ageless appeal stems from…
Home France is recognized for its significant cultural heritage, exceptional cuisine, and attractive landscapes, making it the most visited country in the world. From seeing…
The 7 Wonders of the 21st Century feature amazing successes redefining human creativity and engineering capability. From the calm Temple of Buddha's Origin in Leshan,…
Discover the vibrant nightlife scenes of Europe's most fascinating cities and travel to remember-able destinations! From the vibrant beauty of London to the thrilling energy…
© All Rights Reserved. By Travel S Helper
