Bagni di Lucca, where roulette was born

The town of Bagni di Lucca is located along the course of the Lima river, in a valley with little sun, and as soon as you get there you breathe an air of great decadence. One immediately notices beautiful palaces, villas and hotels, mostly abandoned: the contrast awakens curiosity, and in fact one soon discovers that the spa town was among the most important in Europe for many centuries. Bagni di Lucca has also contributed to the fact that the Republic of Lucca was not embroiled in any war, so much so that the various rulers of many eras were interested in being able to come and relax, cure themselves and have fun in this place. But although the various therapeutic properties of its thermal waters are excellent, the main reason for the success of Bagni di Lucca is due to the tolerance of gambling: here already in 1308, in the first administrative regulation of a spa resort, gambling was mentioned (ludus in therma). The ancestor of the "ruletta", later roulette, was invented here and was called "biribisso", and women were also allowed to play. The first casino was opened here: the city's decline coincided with the closure and abandonment of the gambling houses. During the glorious centuries of intense activity there were about 80 hotels, three casinos and seven thermal establishments; only two of these are still in activity, the others are abandoned, even if a couple have been recently restored. Visits are possible on request. The places are really fascinating between inscriptions, marble tubs, caves and vapours, as well as the various secrets that the volunteers of the historical group are happy to pass on.