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Bagni
di Lucca was established in late roman times. Its health -giving
springs have been used by the nobility of Europe for over 1000 years, and
was known as "The Italian Switzerland". The magnificent and unique
Ponte della Maddalena (The Devil's Bridge) was built in 1101 so the baths
could be reached from Lucca. In the 18th and 19th centuries there were particularly
strong ties with England and it was an essential stop on the "Grand
Tour". It was frequented by Shelley, Byron, the Brownings, Strauss,
Listz, Paganini, and Puccini and many other notables.
Today Bagni di Lucca is a bustling and charming little spa town. The baths
have been renovated and offer a range of natural hot spring treatments.
The town nestles in the lush valley of the Lima River in the foothills of
the Apennines surrounded by picturesque mediaeval hilltop villages, many
of which are worth a day's visit.
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