In the comune of Monsummano Terme in Pistoia, Tuscany, there is a very famous cave which was formed thousands of years ago and is now a world-renowned attraction. The Grotta Giusti is the third largest cave in Europe and is so beautiful that the composer Giuseppe Verdi dubbed it “the eighth wonder of the world”. All fine reasons to be intrigued by the natural phenomenon and peak your interest if you're planning on visiting the area but the real attraction is the natural Turkish bath which is formed in the three caverns of Grotta Giusti. It is this element which continues to draw visitors to the site year after year and which has allowed it to be continuously named as one of the best spas in the world.
If you want to truly unwind on your holidays, find a luxury villa in Pistoia, visit the caves and become utterly relaxed.
The cave was found in 1849 when labourers working in a lime quarry above Monsummano found an opening behind a large rock. When they threw rocks into the hole, they heard water at the bottom and thought that it might be a well. Upon closer inspection, they found a fantastical cave full of picturesque stalactites and stalagmites and a small lake, the whole space being swathed in steam. Immediately the regenerative and heath-giving benefits were noticed and commented upon.
The cave was found in 1849 when labourers working in a lime quarry above Monsummano found an opening behind a large rock. When they threw rocks into the hole, they heard water at the bottom and thought that it might be a well. Upon closer inspection, they found a fantastical cave full of picturesque stalactites and stalagmites and a small lake, the whole space being swathed in steam. Immediately the regenerative and heath-giving benefits were noticed and commented upon.
News spread and experts and the curious alike turned up to see the caves. Seeing the interest, treatment rooms were opened which eventually became the present day Grotta Giusti Spa.
The reputation of Grotta Giusti also spread internationally and people began to come to the spot from all over the world, particularly from France and England. It even became a hub that attracted royalty and celebrities alike. The Grotta has been updated over the years to bring it up to international standard and to make its use safer and more comfortable but the naturally occurring splendour has been preserved so that its unique beauty isn't lost.
Inside, the temperature ranges from 24 °C to 34 °C in three caverns named Paradiso, Purgatorio and Inferno. The warm damp vapours, rich in mineral salts, allow for purification and detoxes and visitors leave feeling immediately refreshed. There is now a complex at the Grotta which also features an outdoor therapeutic spa pool with a waterfall and hydromassage, a well-being centre and a spa centre with mud therapy, ozonising baths and inhalation cures.
Only those using the spa can enter the Grotta today with tickets costing €40.00. The Grotta is also attached to a hotel which is housed inside the 19th century villa which was the former residence of the Giusti family. If you're feeling really luxurious, you could stay a night in the elegant hotel, use the spa and enjoy the delightful restaurants on the premises. If you are in Pistoia, this is an absolute must.
The reputation of Grotta Giusti also spread internationally and people began to come to the spot from all over the world, particularly from France and England. It even became a hub that attracted royalty and celebrities alike. The Grotta has been updated over the years to bring it up to international standard and to make its use safer and more comfortable but the naturally occurring splendour has been preserved so that its unique beauty isn't lost.
Inside, the temperature ranges from 24 °C to 34 °C in three caverns named Paradiso, Purgatorio and Inferno. The warm damp vapours, rich in mineral salts, allow for purification and detoxes and visitors leave feeling immediately refreshed. There is now a complex at the Grotta which also features an outdoor therapeutic spa pool with a waterfall and hydromassage, a well-being centre and a spa centre with mud therapy, ozonising baths and inhalation cures.
Only those using the spa can enter the Grotta today with tickets costing €40.00. The Grotta is also attached to a hotel which is housed inside the 19th century villa which was the former residence of the Giusti family. If you're feeling really luxurious, you could stay a night in the elegant hotel, use the spa and enjoy the delightful restaurants on the premises. If you are in Pistoia, this is an absolute must.
