Grotta Giusti was
discovered by chance in the mid 1800’s while miners were digging on the grounds
where today stands a prized resort in the Tuscan countryside. The spa is only a 45 minute train ride from
the Florence city center station. One or
two days here is a relaxing vacation treat after
a long plane ride or busy city tour.
The Giusti family is related to the Italian patriotic poet Giuseppe
Giusti who was considered a genius noting his poem called La
Ghigliottina (the guillotine) that established him in literary circles.
"The eighth wonder of the world", it was referred to by Giuseppe Verdi
during his frequent visits to the thermal spas.
Because of wanting to preserve it in its natural state the grounds
were maintained with the grotto and mineral waters along with the stalactites
and stalagmites in a vision shared by the family to market natural healing and longevity. There is no real need to have to rent a car in this town unless you want to explore Lucca or the ski town of Pistoia that hosts an annual Blues festival. The town is
small enough to walk around in a couple of hours and there are several good restaurants
including a fancy hotel spa restaurant with a bar and tearoom.
Grotta Giusti waters contain healing minerals of bicarbonate,
sulphate, chloride, magnesium and calcium with temperatures ranging from
34-35°C. There are three levels or so called zones to visit during your stay that are suitably called "Paradise", "Purgatory" (Limbo), and "Hell". The humidity in the air serves as the
strongest healing property in the grotto besides the heat. Common ailments can be treated here
including degenerative arthritis, chronic rheumatism, gout, bronchitis and
inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, even if caused
by allergy, diseases of the skin (chronic eczema, sebaceous dermatitis,
psoriasis).
In addition to the healing waters and grotto is a menu of
healing treats that include nutrition consultation, Asian massage disciplines, face and body treatments, and skin care products. There is also a walking trail, gym with equipment, tennis
court, outdoor swimming pool with 750 square meters of thermal water, waterfalls, massage
pressure showers, and underwater hydro-massages. An 18 hole golf course is just a few
kilometers away. As Giuseppe Giusti believed it is truly a natural wonder being right in the heart of Italy where a
traveler can go to enjoy the Italian life like the locals.
Tours available tailored to your travel needs by Hither & Thither Adventures www.hitherandthitheradventures.com
Tours available tailored to your travel needs by Hither & Thither Adventures www.hitherandthitheradventures.com
