Uliveto Terme

On the banks of the Arno, at the foothills of Monti Bianchi, is the village of Uliveto Terme. Its name belies its vocation - terme, hot springs. It started with a monastery that expanded into a rural community, to the east of Pisa. The springs are set among the unusual rock formations, and the area is full of grottoes and caverns, making it an interesting place to visit.

The hot springs attracted a following of people who came for treatment of skin conditions. Nowadays there is a full-blown spa facility, and people still come to drink or immerse themselves in the water to cure liver, renal, gastrointestinal ailments as well as for skin treatment.

The Medieval part of the village contains the remains of the monastery, along with the charming chapel, Chiesetta di San Martino. The Romanesque church dates to the middle ages. La Badia di Uliveto is a cooked-brick built structure that may have served as a monastery or as a lodging house.

The Parco Termale (Thermal Park) is located in a lovely natural setting and because of the presence of the caves and warm mineral water, contains a variety of unusual fauna.