The Euganean Spas

hermae. 

The Euganean Spas 

A place of culture 

and well-being.

The Euganean Spas. 

The largest spa centre in Europe. 

“All the happiness of the Venetian character 

lies in its waters” 

Stendhal, 1817 

Welcome to the Euganean spas, where the healthy, beneficial 

waters have been flowing for more than three thousand 

years, bringing life to the largest spa centre in Europe. 

The Euganean spa waters belong to the category of deep 

underground waters, and their precious uniqueness is assured 

during its long journey upwards before reaching the 

Euganean lands. Renowned and appreciated since protohistoric 

times, today they are still a source of health and well-being. 

The meteoric water comes from the Lower Dolomites and 

from the Lessini mountains in the pre-Alps, flowing into the 

subsoil through the limestone to reach a depth of more than 

3000 m. In the subsoil, the water runs for approximately 80 

km at high temperatures and under great pressure for 

an average of 25/30 years, becoming richer and richer 

in mineral salts. Reaching the Euganean spa basin, it 

returns to the surface at a temperature of 87°C, rich in 

geothermal energy and dissolved substances that make 

Abano Terme, monumental entrance to the Montirone. 

Montegrotto Terme, Cathedral. 

it a unique thermal resource, the only one of its kind in 

the world. The beneficial strength of the water, which today 

is scientifically classified as hyperthermal bromo-iodine-salt 

water, has been used by man for centuries for therapeutic 

purposes, and lies at the root of all the most modern 

therapies and aesthetic treatments carried out in the many 

specialised spa hotels in the Euganean spa area: from 

balneotherapy to mud therapy, from hydrokinesitherapy 

to inhalation treatments, and the widest range of beauty 

and relaxation treatments. Each spa hotel offers indoor 

and outdoor spa pools and a whole department dedicated 

to well-being and therapies, to ensure that all guests 

are followed with the utmost attention and professionalism, 

in a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere. All the resorts have 

been classified with the “I Super” qualification issued by the 

Italian Ministry of Health, which demonstrates the respect 

of the natural resources in the basin and the strict discipline 

in the use of the water in order to assure the conservation 

of this incomparable natural resource. And on top of this, the 

constant commitment of the “Pietro d’Abano” Spa Study Centre, 

which carefully studies the main components of the spa waters 

and carries out systematic research into spa medicine and 

the effects of mud therapy, to guarantee total quality in the 

therapies carried out and their scientific and therapeutic values. 

2

The Euganean Spas in ancient times. 

“…The soft soil sighs, and closed beneath 

the boiling pumice the wave digs flaky roads. 

[…] In its midst, like a widespread boiling sea, 

a blue lake extends, spinning greatly, covering 

an enormous area …” 

Claudian, Aponus, IV century AD 

With this troubling, supernatural vision, the poet Claudius 

Claudian describes the sacred lake that covered the area 

where the Euganean Spas now lie. In this territory, 

which at the time was mainly marshland and forest, boiling 

sulfureous spa waters sprang spontaneous in bubbling 

springs. An extraordinary phenomenon, considered divine 

in origin by the ancient Venetian people, so much so that 

as early as the VIII century BC religious ceremonies were 

held in the sacred lake, with sacrifices to the gods 

and baths offering benefits and good health. 

Above, Abano Terme, The building housing 

the “Therapy, holiday and tourism board”, 

decorative bas-reliefs (detail). 

Archaeological dig carried out at the turn 

of the 20 th century that led to the discovery 

of thousands of ex voto, including chalices, 

cups, vases and bronze objects, all from 

the Paleovenetian era. Today most of these 

are displayed in the beautiful rooms 

of the National Atestino Museum in Este 

the Eremitani Civic Museum in Padua 

and the International Artistic Glass 

and Spa Museum in Montegrotto Terme. 

fountains, libraries, conference and exhibition rooms, 

theatres and beautiful patrician villas were built, all well 

documented in archaeological findings. Many ancient 

literary sources also confirm the fame of the ‘fons Aponi’ 

during imperial times: the most important known to date 

is the poem “Aponus”, composed by the Alexandrian poet 

Claudius Claudian, following his visit to the area between 

396 and 399 AD. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, 

also Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, was to enjoy the 

spa, as witnessed in his famous letter, in which he proclaims 

Abano as the “ornament of my realm, famous throughout 

the world”. 

2 

But at the end of the VI century, the Longobard hordes of 

king Agilulfo stormed the town, sowing destruction and 

ruin, and so the Euganean spas fell into oblivion for many 

centuries. Many archaeological testimonials remain of the 

opulence of the ancient Roman spa, including the large 

archaeological area at Montegrotto Terme, the many 

findings on show at the Atestino National Museum at Este, 

the Eremitani Civic Museum in Padua and many ancient 

literary sources. 

1 

1 Montegrotto Terme, columns from Roman period in the gardens 

of the Hotel Terme Neroniane. 

2 Montegrotto Terme, Hotel Terme Neroniane, hydropinic fountain 

decorated with ancient artefacts discovered during the digs prior 

to the construction of the spa hall. 

3 Montegrotto Terme, Hotel Terme Neroniane, 

detail of archaeological digs. 

3 

The first water-divining activities became the cult of Aponus, 

guardian god of springs, and added to this was the oracle 

of Gerion, who was consulted in order to know the future. 

According to the legend, when passing through Aponus’ 

land, Hercules founded the cult of Gerion, a mysterious god 

imprisoned in the bowels of the earth who prophesised the 

future through a priest or priestess, guardians of the temple, 

who were able to interpret the prophesies of the god through 

the spa waters. Svetonius recounts that also young Tiberius 

invoked the sacred spa spring and, at the request of the oracle, 

threw in golden dice to find out whether his destiny would 

be favourable in the battle with the Pannonians, an obligatory 

step to his accession to the Emperor’s throne. The dice were 

thrown, and both landed with the highest score upwards. 

Tiberius conquered the Pannonians and became Emperor 

(1 st century AD). 

From 49 BC, when Patavium and the neighbouring lands, 

including the Euganean Spas, became municipium, an upper 

class of Romanised “Patavini” was formed, and wishing 

to emulate the upper classes of Rome they paid great 

importance to the spa waters, creating public baths and spa 

stations. The ancient lakeside sanctuary became a rich, 

multipurpose spa location, visited to revive both body 

and spirit. Around the spa baths, wide avenues, gardens, 

4

Well-being therapy. 

The extraordinary therapeutic properties of the spa waters 

are applied to a wide range of restorative and well-being 

treatments and programmes. 

Balneotherapy: involves the immersion 

of the body in a single tub filled with hot, ozone-enriched 

spa water. It facilitates the activities of the joints, makes 

movements smoother, relaxes the muscles, reduces pain. 

The intense vasodilating action stimulates the blood. 

Indicated above all for painful conditions and muscular 

atrophy, post-traumatic rehabilitation following traumas, 

fractures and surgery, chronic inflammation and skin 

conditions. 

Hydrokinesitherapy: uses the physical and 

chemical properties of the water in an ideal treatment for 

muscle deficit, to regain physical strength following surgery, 

and for those suffering from arthrosis. In addition to being 

natural and effective, it is also a fun, relaxing therapy that 

is done in the swimming pool. 

Mud therapy: spa mud is a clever combination 

of a solid component (clay), a liquid one (bromo-iodine 

salt water) and a biological one (micro organisms and 

biomaterials). The mature mud lies at the basis of mud 

therapy, which has four steps: application, spa water 

bath, sweat reaction and tonifying massage. 

It is an incomparable natural treatment that helps those 

suffering from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. 

Inhalation therapy: nebulized spa water helps 

all kinds of upper and lower respiratory conditions, and is 

effective in the prevention and curing of chronic illnesses. 

“Remise en forme” 

and beauty treatments: each resort is able 

to offer targeted remise en forme and beauty treatments. 

Expert and qualified staff will help you to recover lost 

energy, beauty and all-round well-being through massage, 

innovative treatments, a balanced diet and treatments using 

spa products. 

7

Abano Terme. 

Today Abano Terme is one of the most famous spa resorts 

in Europe. Its large scale accommodation capacity, spread 

across many hotels all equipped to offer special spa 

treatment services, holds the record of being the largest spa 

town in the world. The city centre has a large pedestrian 

precinct, filled with old and modern buildings, large hotels 

with well-tended gardens, shops, bars and restaurants, and 

the historical and monumental sights also include 

one of the most important testimonials of the Aponus spa, 

Montirone Hill. 

Not to be missed. 

Montirone Hill: this small hill, once rich in naturally flowing 

spa springs, was particularly dear to the ancient Patavini, who 

in Roman times surrounded it with villas and spa stations. 

2 

1 

The entrance to the 

old spring, where 

until the second half 

of the 1800s the 

water still flowed 

spontaneously at a 

temperature of 80°C, 

is marked by an early 

19 th century 

Corinthian colonnade 

and a mighty Doric 

column crowned by a 

chalice wrapped in 

the coils of a snake, 

designed by Giuseppe 

1 

Jappelli in 1825 for 

the visit of Emperor 

Franz I of Austria. 

The two buildings 

either side of the entrance house the civic Montirone Art 

Gallery, with its collection of 15 th - 20 th century paintings, 

drawings and engravings, and the municipal Modern Art 

Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions. Opposite 

Montirone there is a small oratory designed by Domenico 

Cerato in 1780, which today is used as an exhibition centre. 

Abano Terme, Montirone, column erected in honour of Franz I of Austria. 

2 View of the spa basin and the Euganean hills. 

Below, Abano Terme, monumental entrance to the Montirone. 

3 4 

Chiesa del Sacro Cuore: with its modern architectural 

design, this is one of the most important churches 

in the town. Built during the second half of the 1950s 

to the design of the architect Giulio Brunetta, it houses 

a beautiful crucifix, by the artist Mario Pinton, a frontal 

by Carlo Mandelli, and works by Paolo De Poli. 

Kursaal public gardens: amongst the greenery of the 

gardens, right in the middle of the pedestrian area, we 

can find the statue of Pietro D’Abano, one of the most 

famous sons of Aponus. Another decorative element 

of this garden is the Harlequin fountain, by Amleto Sartori, 

artist of international fame, to whom also the Mask 

Museum, located in Villa Savioli, is dedicated. 

Pietro d’Abano: born in 1257, 

Pietro, son of the notary 

Costanzo, spent much time 

in Constantinople, and 

completed his studies 

at the University of Padua 

before going on to become 

the greatest Italian scientist 

of the 14 th century. 

He taught medicine, 

philosophy and astrology 

at the University of Paris, 

and from 1306 at the 

University of Padua. 

Expert in Greek Byzantine 

and Arabic arts, he believed 

that a good doctor should 

also be a good astrologer 

and an expert alchemist. 

This multi-disciplinarity 

attracted the attention 

of the Court of the Inquisition, 

and he was accused of 

necromancy and heresy, 

and in 1316 his body was 

burned at the stake. 

Pietro believed that human 

matters were influenced 

by the stars. His theories 

inspired the splendid 

astrological cycle, frescoed 

in the “Palazzo della Ragione” 

in Padua. 

5 

3 Abano Terme, New Town 

Spa Gardens. 

4 Abano Terme, Villa Savioli, 

“Amleto e Donato Sartori” 

Mask Museum. 

5 Abano Terme, “Amleto 

e Donato Sartori” 

International Mask 

Museum. 

6 Abano Terme, Kursaal 

Gardens, Statue in honour 

of Pietro d’Abano. 

Grand Hotel Orologio, one of the emblems of the history 

of Abano, this beautiful building was constructed in the 

17 th century by the noble family Dondi dall’Orologio, 

and was extended in the 19 th century with the addition 

of its neoclassical façade (1825), by Giuseppe Jappelli, 

who also restored the large gardens surrounding the hotel. 

Opposite the Grand Hotel Orologio is the Hotel Trieste 

& Victoria, another building of particular historical value. 

This was in fact the headquarters of the Italian Supreme 

Command during the First World War (1918), and General 

Armando Diaz often stayed here in an apartment on the 

first floor. 

Viale delle Terme: wide, tree-lined avenue, the real 

dynamic heart of the town, with its shops, hotels, 

bars and restaurants. 

6 

9

This large complex, which blends harmoniously in with 

the buildings and architecture of the spa town, has been 

conceived as a single, enormous, continuous lawn, 

criss-crossed by paved walkways and cycle paths and 

rich in plants and trees along the main avenue. 

Buildings line up along its sides, all prestigious residences, 

shops and offices. 

“Amleto e Donato Sartori” International Mask Museum: 

the only one of its kind in the world, housing 

the prestigious works of Amleto Sartori and his son Donato, 

internationally renowned artists, creators of masks for the 

“Commedia dell’Arte” and theatre generally. 

6 

Villa Mocenigo Mainardi: this complex, where Giacomo 

Casanova also resided in 1779, includes a small oratory 

facing over the road. Other villas of particular architectural 

interest are: Villa Sette (late 17 th century with some early 

19 th century modifications), Villa Erizzo Zanin 

(19 th century, with large gardens and private oratory), 

Villa Foscolo (also known as the “Cittadella Vigodarzere”), 

at Feriole, known to have hosted Ugo Foscolo when he was 

writing “The last letters of Jacopo Ortis” (1796), and finally 

Villa Selvatico Treves, built in the 16th century but 

completely renovated in the 19 th century in line with 

the rules of architectural Eclecticism. 

1 

It includes two sites of great interest: the recent Piazza 

del Sole e della Pace, also known as Piazza della Meridiana, 

and the S. Lorenzo Cathedral. The polychrome marble 

sundial is one of the largest of its kind in Europe (3000 m 2 ) 

and is certainly unique. Designed by Salvador Condè 

and with the support of the architect Giulio Genta and 

the gnomonist Giovanni Paltrinieri, it was completed in late 

1996, and constitutes a work of the highest scientific, 

astronomic and educational value. The S. Lorenzo 

Cathedral is the main religious building in the town centre. 

It was founded in the second half of the 10 th century, 

but its current condition dates back to the 18 th century, 

and is the work of the architect Domenico Cerato. Inside we 

can find 16 th century sculptures by Tommaso Allio, the 

Flagellation on the upper altar by Bartolomeo Litterini 

(1712) and a Via Crucis 

attributed to Carlo 

Henrici. The lovely bell 

tower dates back to 

1314, with its base 

from the 10 th century. 

Parco Urbano Termale: 

a jewel of modern 

architecture, designed 

by one of the most 

famous architects and 

architecture historians, 

3 

Paolo Portoghesi. 

4 

2 

1 Abano Terme, 

New Town Spa 

Gardens. 


S. Lorenzo 

Cathedral. 


View of the 

pedestrian area. 


Via Jappelli. 


Piazza Repubblica. 

and Viceroy to the Kingdom of Italy. Since 1979 the villa 

and annexed gardens have belonged to the Municipality 

of Abano Terme, and have been transformed into 

a prestigious centre for cultural and sporting events. 

Villa Rigoni Savioli (ex Malipiero) is a beautiful Palladian 

villa built in the 16 th century. The façade has four 

semi-columns surmounted by a triangular tympanum. 

A staircase decorated with statues leads directly to the first 

floor. Inside (not open to the public) the lounge is decorated 

with precious frescoes by GiovanBattista Zelotti, friend 

and apprentice of Paolo Veronese. 

8 

7 

6 Abano Terme, Pedestrian area, “Therapy, Holiday 

and Tourism Board” building. 

7 Abano Terme, loc. Monterosso, Villa Monzino “La Bembiana”. 

8 Abano Terme, Piazza del Sole e della Pace. 

Sotto, Abano Terme, loc. Monterosso, Gardens at Villa Monzino 

“La Bembiana”. 

Villas and Parks. 

5 

Beautiful noble villas, built mainly between the 16 th and 18 th 

centuries, enrich both the town centre and the surrounding 

green hills. Villa Savioli, built in the 17 th century 

and extended in the following centuries, houses the 

extraordinary Amleto e Donato Sartori International Mask 

Museum. Villa Bassi Rathgeb, built in the 16 th century and 

restored in the 1700s, belonged to the noble family Dondi 

dell’Orologio. Inside the frescoes are by Antonio Buttafuoco. 

In the 19 th century many famous people stayed here, 

including Eugenio Beauharnais, Napoleon’s stepson, 

10

1 

Abano Terme: 

Monument Statue 

of Christopher 

Columbus, by Paolo 

Boldrin (1956) 

donated to the town 

by Armido Bonato. 

Abano Terme. 

Main events and traditional festivals. 

• Late April - early May: International Youth Football Tournament. 

• 2nd Sunday in May (in 2006 in September): “Maschera d’argento”, 

national mask contest with masked procession and masked groups 

from the most important Italian carnivals. 

• July/August: AbanoDanza, International Dance Festival. 

• Late August: International Show Jumping. 

• From 20 th December to 6 th January: Christmas Decorations Fair. 

• Weekly market: Wednesday. 

Among the parks we may mention the historical gardens at 

Villa Bembiana, in Monterosso. Lying at the foot of the hill, 

its rich vegetation includes many species of the 

Mediterranean Maquis, and specimens of holm oak. The 

villa, which is not open to the public, was home to the poet, 

historian and philologist Pietro Bembo (15 th - 16 th century). 

At the end of the First World War the Italian Victory 

Bulletin was drawn up here. 

Sanctuaries and monasteries. 

At Monteortone, just outside Abano Terme, we can find 

the lovely sanctuary dedicated to the “Madonna della 

Salute” (Madonna of Health). The church was built 

in the 15 th century at the place where, in 1428, a soldier 

named Pietro Falco was miraculously cured of the plague 

when he found a wooden image of the Virgin in a small 

cave and then bathed in the waters of a fountain that 

flowed at the foot of Monteortone Hill. The church, 

in the form of a Latin cross with an apsidal nave and two 

aisles and a bell tower dating back to the 15 th century still 

houses the miraculous image of the Madonna, and each 

year is visited by many pilgrims. Inside, the church 

is decorated with many paintings from the 15 th century, 

including frescoes of saints, prophets and kings in the 

leftnave, and some frescoes by Jacopo da Montagnana 

2 

1 Abano Terme, Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute at 

Monteortone, detail of the old monastery. 

2 Horse riding on the hills around the Euganean Spa. 

3/4 Abano Terme, S. Daniele monastery. 

5 Abano Terme, Municipal Art Gallery at Montirone, Pitocchetto, 

self-portrait. 

6 Abano Terme, Cloisters in the old monastery annexed 

to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute at Monteortone. 

Below, Abano Terme, detail of the pedestrian area with 

the Grand Hotel Orologio. 

in the Chapel of the 

Crucifix and on the walls 

of both aisles, beautiful 

marble bas-reliefs in the 

presbytery and the tombs 

of the monk Simone da 

Camerino, founder of the 

annexed Agostinian 

monastery, and other 

monks as well as the tomb 

of the noblewoman 

Maddalena Cardini 

5 

Capodivacca (1491). 

The entrance portal in 

Istrian stone is also noteworthy, the work of Matteo 

and Tommaso Allio (1667). Next to the church is the old 

Agostinian convent, which is now a Salesian institute, 

with its large Renaissance cloisters. Another important 

religious centre is the Benedictine Monastery of S. Daniele, 

nestling on the mountain of the same name. This construction 

dates back to 1075, built by the noble da Montagnon family 

in honour of the Paduan martyr Daniele. In 1461 it was 

home to the canons of S. Salvatore, and from 1772 until 

the mid 1900s it was the private residence of the Bonomi- 

Todeschini family. Today it is home to the enclosed order 

of Benedictine nuns, whose original nucleus came from 

Rijeka in 1948. Within the complex, the church, built 

in 1711 by Francesco Muttoni, a panoramic loggia and some 

rooms on the ground floor are open to the public. 

3 4 

6 

13

Montegrotto Terme. 

Together with Abano, Montegrotto Terme constitutes 

the main centre of the Euganean Spa. According 

to archaeological sources, the ancient lakeside sanctuary, 

frequented by the people of Veneto between the 8 th 

and 3 rd centuries BC stood exactly here, in the area between 

Monte Castello and Colle Montagnone. The lake covered 

around 2 square kilometres and was round in shape, 

originating from a spa water spring. The sulphurous 

exhalations, considered to be divine, came naturally and 

powerfully from the centre of the earth and were revered with 

votive offerings, including vases, chalices, cups and glasses. 

1 

From the 2 nd century BC onwards, in Roman times, the lake 

lost its sacred function and Montegrotto became a large, 

famous spa location. The current name of this place is in 

fact Roman, Mons Aegrotorum, meaning the mountain of 

the sick. Ancient Latin authors described the Euganean spa 

waters as prodigious and, as Claudian writes, “without 

damage, they renew lost vigour and calm the sicknesses of 

the suffering, who return to good health”. The origin of 

these therapeutic properties was attributed to the presence 

of Aponus, the god protector of the springs. Still in Roman 

times, in addition to their curative properties the waters 

were also attributed with special oracular powers. According 

to literary sources, oracle of Gerion was consulted in the 

ancient S. Pietro Montagnon, today known as Montegrotto. 

In the archaeological area in the centre of Montegrotto 

Terme the foundations of some buildings dating back to the 

Julius-Claudius period can be seen, and these represent just 

3 

1 Montegrotto Terme, detail of the archaeological digs 

at the Hotel Terme Neroniane. 

2 Montegrotto Terme, Roman columns in the gardens 

of the Hotel Terme Neroniane. 

Below, Montegrotto Terme, Villa Draghi. 

1 

2 

Marble slab with 

inscription from the 

1st century AD 

attesting the cult 

of the waters of 

Aponus, “A.A.V.S.L.M. 

Aquis Aponi votum 

solvit libens merito,” 

now displayed 

at the Maffeiano 

Museum in Verona. 

4 5 

3 Montegrotto Terme, 

Bell tower at the 

Oratorio della 

Madonna. 


Berta Tower on Mount 

Castello, private 

property. 


Town hall. 


“Alberi metallici”, 

glass sculpture 

by Del Negro. 

The legend of Berta. 

Legend has it that in 1084 Henry IV of Germany and his wife 

Bertha of Savoy were guests of the noble Da Montagnon family 

(from Montagnon, the ancient medieval Montegrotto). During 

their stay, a poor spinner came before the queen. She had the 

same name as the queen, and was as beautiful as she was 

poor, and she begged for clemency for her imprisoned husband, 

bringing a gift of a reel of thread. Taking pity upon her, 

the queen granted the pardon of the prisoner, and as much 

land as could be cordoned off with the reel of thread that the 

poor spinner had presented to her. Word of the queen’s 

compassionate gesture spread quickly, and many other women 

hurried to the castle to try to obtain the same treatment, but 

the queen replied with the famous phrase, “Berta’s spinning 

time has long since passed”. Each year the municipality 

of Montegrotto Terme organises the re-evocation of this 

ancient legend, an entertaining display in medieval costume. 

6 

a small amount of the rich imperial spa town, which was 

certainly one of the most representative of the “X Regio 

Venetia et Istria”. Among the findings, some baths, one 

of which has marble flooring, spa water pipes, the remains 

of an aqueduct and the foundations of a range of buildings. 

15



Cathedral. 


Villa Callas, detail 

of the entrance portal. 


International Artistic 

Glass and Spa Museum. 


Butterfly Arc 

and Fairy wood. 

Below, Montegrotto 

Terme, Butterfly Arc – 

Butterfly House. 

1 

2 

With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, a long period 

of darkness and silence reigned, and the Spas suffered from 

an economic and urban slump. 

In medieval times the Spas were still in use, but it was only 

4 

from the 15 th century, with the arrival of the nobility 

of the Serenissima that they were restored to their ancient 

splendour, frequented for both therapy and pastime. 

In the 18 th century the first organic scientific studies were 

carried out on the composition and provenance of the 

waters, and in modern times the use of the waters and 

spa mud for therapeutic purposes led to the development 

of the Euganean Spas, which are now among the most 

famous and loved destinations of spa tourism in Europe. 

Villa Draghi: set against the splendid backdrop of a park 

measuring 316,000 m 2 , this beautiful 19 th century villa lies 

on a small hill half way up Mount Alto. It is a unique 

example of eclectic architecture, close to the Venetian and 

oriental styles with typical medieval elements, and this building, 

which has been uninhabited for a long time and is in 

a poor state of abandon, has unfortunately been stripped of 

its most important architectural furnishings, of which today 

only some rare photos remain. The villa still conserves 

its crowning Ghibelline battlements, which give it the 

appearance of a castle. A nature trail, called the “Villa 

Draghi and Mount 

Ceva Pathway”, 

departs from outside 

the villa. This 

is one of the main 

hill walks in the 

Regional Park of 

the Euganean Hills. 

Approximately 10 

km long, it offers 

splendid view of 

one of the most 

rich and varied 

hillside environments, 

with 

chestnut, acacia 

and oak woods, 

vast meadows, 

3 

Mediterranean 

maquis, vineyards, 

and rocky sections 

with their typical rocky vegetation. 

The International Artistic Glass and Spa Museum has been 

housed inside the Villa Draghi farmhouse, since December 

2005, displaying more than 500 works by Giordano Guarnieri, 

historical master glassmaker from Murano, Umberto del Negro 

and other master glassmakers from Murano including Venini 

and the Toso brothers. A section displays precious 

archaeological findings from the Roman period, which 

were discovered in Montegrotto Terme. 

Oratorio della Madonna: the current building of the old 

parochial quarters of Montegrotto dates back to 1724, 

with the bell tower from the 18 th century, probably 

built from a castle tower. 

Cathedral: built in the mid-18 th century on the flattened 

summit of Prebenda hill, this new church houses modern 

frescoes by Armando Migliolaro and sculptures 

by Luigi Strazzabosco. 

5 

Butterfly Arc-the butterfly 

house: thousands of tropical 

butterflies fly freely around 

this extraordinary place 

open to all, scientists, 

students, butterfly lovers 

and other visitors; walking 

through the tropical gardens 

it is possible to observe 

the life of these splendid 

creatures, and watch their 

evolution from egg to adult 

butterfly, their splendid 

colours and infinite forms. 

The complex also includes 

the Fairy Wood and a large 

insectarium. 


“Therapy, Holiday and 

Tourism Board” building, 

fresco by Fulvio Pendini 

depicting the legend of Berta. 

6 Montegrotto Terme, Oratorio 

della Madonna. 

Below, Montegrotto Terme, 

archaeological digs, detail 

of the theatre cavea. 

6 

P.G. Omesti permanent exhibition of fossils, minerals 

and rocks: rich collection of materials from all over 

the world, with an important and large variety of rocks 

and minerals that form the earth’s crust and the particularity 

of the forms of life that have populated the earth in the 

various geological eras. It is a reference point for lovers 

and students of mineralogy and palaeontology. 

Villa Meneghini: also known as Villa Callas, 

as GiovanBattista Meneghini, the owner in the mid 1900s, 

was also married to Maria Callas. The building in Caposeda 

dates back to 1559. Following careful restoration, it is now 

the headquarters of the International Atelier of the Plastic 

Arts, run by Master del Negro. 

Torre al Lago: the suggestive ruins of this late medieval 

tower, which was once the fortified residence of the Dell’Arena 

family, provide refuge for a group of bandits led by 

the infamous brigand Giovanni Stella in the 19 th century. 

Montegrotto Terme. 


• Early May: Flower Festival, exhibition and market. 

• Early June: Beer Festival. 

• Late June: Traditional Saint Peter’s Fair. 

• September: “Il tempo di Berta”, historical display 

with medieval costumes. 

• 2 nd Sunday of the month: Antiques market. 

• Weekly market: Thursday. 

16

Galzignano Terme. 

Ancient settlement on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Rua, 

where the valleys Pavaglione and Cingolina meet, Galzignano 

Terme conserves a natural and practically uncontaminated 

environment with mainly rural settlements, making it the 

ideal destination for those wishing to spend a relaxing holiday 

close to nature. The territory is still scattered with noble villas 

built by rich families from Padua and Venice who loved the 

pleasant and fertile Galzignano valleys. 

One outstanding example is Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani, 

at Valsanzibio, with its historical gardens that are among the 

most important gardens in Europe. The green, variable 

1 5 

2 

natural countryside has earned the attention and development 

of two splendid golf courses: Golf Club Padova -27 holes -, 

founded in 1962 is the historical provincial club of Padua, 

and the Golf Club Terme at Galzignano with 9 holes, 

opened in 1999 with a wealth of water features and lakes. 


Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani gardens: 

the historical garden of Valsanzibio is one of the historic 

natural features of excellence in Italy. Surrounded 

by a splendid hillside amphitheatre, it was created 

in the second half of the 17 th century by the Venetian 

noble Zuane Francesco Barbarigo, helped by his son 

Antonio, and is still today one of the most important 

and intact historical gardens in Europe. The high symbolism 

of the park was inspired by Gregorio Barbarigo, cardinal 

and later saint, while the design is attributed to the most 

important papal architect and fountain maker 

of the 17 th century, Luigi Bernini. In this historical 

garden, water animates an extraordinary world 

of fountains, streams and fishponds. Between high box 

hedges and secular trees, seventy works of art, mostly 

by Merengo, and as many again by lesser artists, blend 

in with architectural elements, streams, waterfalls, 

fountains, lakes, water features and fishponds arranged 

among trees and shrubs covering an area of fifteen hectares. 

It includes significant features including the great Maze, 

3 

1 Euganean hills, 

view. 

2 Valsanzibio 

di Galzignano 

Terme, Villa 

Barbarigo- 

Pizzoni Ardemani 

gardens, 

Diana’s Portal. 

3-4 Valsanzibio 

di Galzignano 

Terme, Villa 

Barbarigo-Pizzoni 

Ardemani, detail 

of the gardens. 

4 

Rabbit Island, the Monument of Time and the Water effects, 

Diana’s bath (the old monumental entrance) and three large 

fishponds broken with fountains was designed and built 

to symbolise the path of man towards his own perfectibility 

and salvation. 

S. Maria Assunta: in a splendid position on a green hill 

shaded by cypress trees, this ancient and disused church still 

conserves traces of some 17 th century frescoes. 

Pieve di S. Lorenzo: immersed in a tranquil atmosphere 

reminiscent of days gone by, the hamlet of S. Lorenzo runs 

along the crest of Mount Staffolo through farmyards, 

vegetable patches, gardens and vineyards as far at the 

Church of S. Lorenzo, dating back to the 11 th century 

7 

but extended to its current size in the mid 17 th century. 

Footpaths: from Galzignano Terme some of the most 

pleasant and interesting trails in the Regional Park of the 

Euganean hills can be followed. The Mount Venda trail starts 

at Casa Marina in Sottovenda: this hill (601 m.) is the highest 

in the Euganean hill range, and is rich in landscape, nature 

and historical-monumental features, including the suggestive 

ruins of the Olivetani Monastery. The Monte Gallo, Monte 

delle Grotte and Monte delle Basse trail starts at Case 

Steogarda, offering splendid views of the Monte Rua hermitage, 

the villages of Galzignano and Valsanzibio and many hills 

including Monselice hill with the Federiciano Dungeon. 

6 

Galzignano Terme. 


5 Valsanzibio 

di Galzignano 

Terme, Villa 

Barbarigo- 

Pizzoni 

Ardemani, 

detail 

of the maze. 

6 Olive groves 

on the 

Euganean hills. 

7 Galzignano 

Terme, view 

of the spa halls. 

• 1 st Sunday in May: Spring Festival, olive oil fair at Valsanzibio. 

• 1 st Sunday in October: Galzignano Terme: Rosario Fair 

and “Palio dei mussi” (mule race). 

• Weekly Market: Wednesday. 

18 

19

Battaglia Terme. 

Bordered to north and south by two sumptuous princely 

residences, lying gently between the Hills to the west and 

meandering canals leading to the sea to the east, Battaglia 

Terme is a surprising town, totally different from the other 

towns in the Padua area. Here, everything seems to be 

linked or related to water. The town stretches along the 

banks of a wide river, with a footbridge reminiscent of 

Venice, and houses the only River Navigation Museum in 

the whole of Italy, as well as being the home to some 

important hydraulic 

creations including 

the Arco di Mezzo 

(middle arch) and 

the Conca di 

Navigazione (lock). 

Even the toponymy 

of Battaglia, once 

known as Baptalea, 

is tied to the water 

and could have originally 

meant “the 

2 

place of the baths”. 

Right from the 11 th 

century in fact, the 

natural spa grotto 

at S. Elena Hill and 

the relative baths 

1 Battaglia Terme, 

Catajo Castle. 


view of Battaglia 

Canal. 


River Nagivation 

Museum. 

Below, Battaglia 

Terme, 

Arco di Mezzo. 

3 

1 

have characterised and identified this place. From the 13 th 

century on, this toponymy has been mixed with the root 

of the verb “battere” (to beat), linked to the incessant, 

rhythmic sound made by the rollers in the Battaglia paper 

mill, which no longer exists but which was very famous 

in centuries gone by. 


Castello del Catajo: stately 16 th 

century fortified residence built 

on the slopes of Montenovo on the 

wishes of Pio Enea degli Obizzi, 

famous Serenissima commander 

and inventor of the howitzer (siege 

cannon). The building, which has 

350 rooms, lounges decorated with 

splendid frescoes by G.B. Zelotti, 

favourite apprentice of Paolo 

Veronese, corridors, staircases, a vast 

historical garden, fountains, park 

with free-roaming deer, is one of the 

most imposing and complete 

Patrician villas of the Veneto region, 

now used to hold prestigious events 

and congresses. The terrace offers a 

splendid view over the surrounding 

hillside amphitheatre. 

Villa Selvatico Sartori: beautiful, fairytale residence built 

at the turn of the 16th century by the Selvatico family on 

the Sant’Elena hill, also known as “stupa” mountain, where 

an ancient sweating cave can be found. Surrounded by 

a large secular park, redesigned by Jappelli in the 19 th century, 

the villa was recently cleverly renovated, conserving its 

original and unique style, which set a trend for baroque 

Venetian rules, and inside a series of frescoes representing 

the mythological stories of the city of Padua, by Luca 

Ferrari, the decoration of the cupola with the compass rose 

by Lorenzo Bedogni, and the Glory of the Selvatico family 

by Alessandro Varotari, known as “il Padovanino” 

(1588-1648). The villa is often used for theatrical 

performances, cultural conferences and concerts. 

S. Giacomo Church: dating back to 1332, extended 

to its current shape 

in 1703. It houses 

precious altars, an 

attractive stoup in 

red Verona marble, 

many statues and 

altarpieces dating 

between the 17 th 

and 18 th centuries. 

Venetian bridge: 

also known as the 

“scaìni” bridge 

(because of its steps, 

the only bridge of 

its kind in the 

Padua area), it has a 

brick built Roman 

arch with a statue 

of San Giovanni 

Nepomuceno, the 

patron saint of the 

persecuted innocent, invoked against the dangers of the 

water, the work of a local sculptor dating back to the 

second half of the 18 th century. 

Battaglia Canal: this canal crosses the town and 

is completely navigable, offering interesting tourist potential 

not only due to the expansion of infrastructure including 

ports and piers but also for the incomparable natural 

backdrop offered by the Euganean hills. 

Arco di Mezzo: hydraulic artefact located in the town 

centre on the eastern bank of the Battaglia Canal, 

to regulate the flow of the water that, with a drop 

of between four and seven metres, flows into the bed 

of the Vigenzone Canal. For centuries it supplied energy 

to all the factories that made Battaglia famous, and is still 

extremely important today for assuring the optimal 

management of all the water in Padua. 

Conca di Navigazione: an extraordinary, perfectly 

functioning monument to hydraulic engineering, used 

to overcome a maximum difference in water level of over 

seven metres, linking the Battaglia canal, and the Paduan 

and Euganean territory, with the Rialto-Vigenzone canal, 

and the sea. 

4 5 

River Navigation Museum: one of its kind in Italy, 

it celebrates the intense and fervent mercantile activity 

along the waterways of Battaglia for more than 7 centuries. 

It contains more than four thousand articles, including 

river boats and river boat parts, scale models, historical 

photographs, drawings and documents, navigation maps, 

objects used by boatmen on board their vessels, specific 

technical texts, equipment used in boathouses, and tools 

covering the range of crafts linked to river navigation. 

Oratorio di Santa Maria, better known as the “Pigozzo” 

church (meaning woodpecker, cuckoo), and what remains 

of an old church dating back to 1736, which was 

demolished at the end of the 1920s. 

On 25 th March, on the day of a small local festival, “cuchi”, 

small, brightly coloured terracotta birds that make a sound 

similar to the cuckoo song, are sold in the church square. 

Sentiero Ferro di cavallo (Horseshoe path): runs along 

the hill tops of Montenuovo, Ceva, Castellone, Spinefrasse 

and Croce. Thanks to its geological conformation 

and the natural and environmental peculiarities, this hill 

top area is considered one of the most important 

of the Euganean Hills. 

6 


Villa Selvatico Sartori. 

5 Battaglia Terme, River 

Nagivation Museum 

(detail). 

6 Battaglia Terme, view 

of Battaglia Terme. 

Battaglia Terme. 


• 25 th March: Pigozzo Fair, selling the typical “cuchi”. 

• 1 st Sunday in May: Flowered Canal Festival. 

• Last Sunday in May: Remada a seconda. Rowing event with 

all kinds of boats including fun and grotesque craft. 

• July: Water festival. Election of “Miss Onda”, historical procession 

and dressed boats to celebrate the wedding of Battaglia and its canal. 

• End of August: San Bartolomeo Fair, large open-air market and fun fair. 

• 11 th November: Battaglia Terme - San Martino fair with chestnut feast. 

• From 22 December to 15 January: Nativity scene on the water. 

• Weekly market: Saturday. 

21

Teolo. 

1 

Lying among the most beautiful of the hills, Teolo has very 

ancient roots, a rich history and an important historical, 

artistic and naturalist heritage. Tradition has it that it was 

the birthplace of the great Latin historian Titus Livius. 

The ancient Titulo (Latin for boundary) lies in a strategic 

position between the lands of Padua and Este, the two most 

important Paleovenetian centres. A boundary stone dated 

141 BC found near the church of S. Giustina di Teolo would 

confirm the existence of this border area, which was already 

inhabited in pre-Roman times. In the medieval Teolo was 

one of the largest towns in the Padua area, with a podestà 

tenure in the Medieval Commune and Carrarese eras, 

and later a Vicariate of the Republic of Venice with 

administrative powers over a very large territory. 

Firstly the Napoleonic reorganisation and later that 

of the Austrians decreased the administrative importance 

of Teolo. Today it is one of the most attractive areas 

of the Euganean hills, and a privileged destination for 

tourists and day trippers from Padua. 


S. Giustina church: mentioned in a papal decree dated 

1297, the old church of S. Giustina was built between 1290 

and 1310, while the bell tower was built in 1400. 

In the mid 19 th century the church was extended, with 

the addition of side chapels and the baptistery, while 

the beautiful cuspidate bell tower we can still admire today 

is the original one. Inside, liberty frescoes by Giacomo 

Manzoni from 1912, and the great altar is the work of 

Domenico Campagnola (16 th century). 

Palazzetto dei Vicari: built in the 14 th century but extended 

in the 16 th century to house the vicars and noble Paduans 

appointed by the Serenissima during Venetian domination to 

administrative and military functions, today the building is 

home to the Contemporary Art Museum dedicated to Dino 

Formaggio, internationally renowned philosopher and art critic. 

Rocca Pendice: this is one of the most original rock 

formations in the hills. It is a wall of volcanic rock, 

a trachyte seam 130 metres high, frequently used for 

mountaineering practice. 

And on the rock summit, 

half hidden by thick 

vegetation, are the 

remains of the most 

resistant castle of all the 

Euganean hills. This fort, 

the only one of all the 

hilltop castles, was never 

taken in battle, and 

nature alone was able 

to drive it into ruin. To 

reach the castle remains, 

also famous for the 

legend of Speronella, 

the shortest path starts 

at the 15 th century farms 

at Schivanoia, or follow 

the “Altavia n. 1 dei 

Colli Euganei” path 

2 

starting near Treponti 

di Teolo. 

1 Colli Euganei, ruins of the Olivetani 

monastery on Mount Venda. 

2 Teolo, Palazzetto dei Vicari, housing the Dino Formaggio 

Contemporary Art Museum. 

3 Teolo, view with Rocca Pendice in the background. 

4 Teolo, Benedictine sanctuary on the monte della Madonna. 

5 Teolo, church at the sanctuary on the monte della Madonna. 

6 Praglia, abbey. 

4 

S. Maria di Praglia Abbey: founded in the 11 th century, 

in the medieval and renaissance period this was 

the stronghold of the Benedictine agricultural community 

of S. Giustina di Padova, founded in 1448, following which 

the abbey was extended and restored with the construction of 

an elegant church following the designs of Tullio Lombardo, 

and the reconstruction of part of the monastery. The church 

dedicated to the Assumption still conserves numerous frescoes 

and paintings from the Venetian school and a wooden crucifix 

attributed to the circle of Giotto. The monastery houses an 

attractive late 15 th century covered cloister, a botanical cloister, 

a rustic cloister, the precious Capitolo Hall and the monumental 

refectory and the famous “divine loggia” immortalized 

by the writer Antonio Fogazzaro in the novel “Piccolo mondo 

moderno” (1901). The abbey is known throughout the world 

The legend of Speronella. 

According to the legend, in 1166 Count Pagano della Torre, 

vicar of Federico Barbarossa, fell in love with Speronella, 

a sensual beauty from Padua betrothed to Iacopino da 

Carrara. Having kidnapped her, he locked her away in the 

Roccapendice Fort and convinced her father to allow him 

to marry her instead. But the Paduan noblemen, led by 

Iacopino managed to fight their way into the castle, killing 

Pagano and freeing Speronella. According to historic fact, 

however, as told by the judge Manfredino di Ugone, Count 

Pagano was in fact just one of Speronella’s six husbands, 

to be exact the second, after she had left her first husband, 

Iacopino da Carrara, in her conceited determination 

to marry the imperial vicar. 

Teolo. 


• 4 th Sunday in April: Gnocco fair with tasting events 

offering local specialities. 

• First half of August: Holidaymakers’ fair. 

• 2 nd Sunday in October, Bresseo di Teolo: ancient fair with large 

market, food stands and fun fair. 

• Antiques market: 1 st Sunday of the month. 

• Weekly market: Tuesday, Sunday (from April to September). 

for its important antique 

book and illuminated 

manuscript restoration, 

carried out by the monks 

themselves. 

Oratorio della Croce 

di Villa Teolo: 

the old Crucifix, 

in poplar wood to the 

5 

right of the great altar, 

dates back to the 16 th /17 th 

century and is inspired 

by the school of Donatello. 

Chiesa di San Giorgio at Tramonte: of very ancient 

origins, this church houses frescoes dating back to around 

the year 1000, roundels with the twelve apostles dating 

back to the late 15 th century and a crucifixion attributed 

to the Paduan school Squarcione. 

Footpaths: 

From Teolo there are two splendid walks signposted by the 

Regional Park of the Euganean Hills: the Monte Grande 

path, with a deviation to the ruins of Rovolon castle, and 

the Monte della Madonna path, including a visit to two 

ancient religious sites, the small S. Antonio Abate oratory 

dating back to the 14 th century 

and the Sanctuary dedicated to 

the Virgin Mary with its small 

Benedictine monastery. 

3 6

www.turismopadova.it 

Realized with the contribution of 

Abano Terme 

Via P. d'Abano, 18 

Tel. +39 049 8669055 - Fax +39 049 8669053 

E-mail: infoabano@turismotermeeuganee.it 

Mon-Sat 8.30-13.00 / 14.30-19.00 

Sun 10.00-13.00 / 15.00-18.00 

(sundays opening only during high season) 

Montegrotto Terme 

Viale Stazione, 60 

Tel. +39 049 8928311 

Fax +39 049 795276 

E-mail: infomontegrotto@turismotermeeuganee.it 

Mon-Sat 8.30-13.00 / 14.30-19.00 

2 nd Sun 10.00-13.00 / 15.00-18.00 

Battaglia Terme 

Via Maggiore, 2 

Tel. +39 049 526909 - Fax +39 049 9101328 

E-mail: asspro07@prolocobattaglia.191.it 

Seasonal opening 

Teolo 

c/o Palazzetto dei Vicari 

Tel. +39 049 9925680 - Fax +39 049 9900264 

E-mail: iat.teolo@virgilio.it 

Seasonal opening 

How to get there: 

By Air: Venice, Marco Polo Airport 

(approx. 60 km. away). 

By Rail: Terme Euganee Train Station. 

By Road: Motorway A13 Padua-Bologna: 

exit Padua Sud-Terme Euganee. 

Motorway A4 Venice-Milano: 

exit Padua Ovest, Padua Est. 

MOTORWAY EXITS 

TOWNS 

EUGANEAN HILLS 

DIRECTION MILANO 

VERONA 

AIRPORT 

MOTORWAY A4 

TREVISO 

AIRPORT 

DIRECTION TRIESTE 

MOTORWAY A4 

VENEZIA 

AIRPORT 

MOTORWAY A13 

DIRECTION BOLOGNA 

Riviera dei Mugnai, 8 

35137 PADOVA 

Tel. +39.049.8767911 

Fax +39.049.650794 

www.turismopadova.it 

info@turismopadova.it 

Provincia 

di Padova 

Comune di 

Abano Terme 

Comune di 

Montegrotto Terme 

Comune di 

Galzignano Terme 

Comune di 

Battaglia Terme 

Parco Regionale 

dei Colli Euganei 

© Foto: Archivio Turismo Padova Terme Euganee, Consorzio Terme Euganee Abano-Montegrotto, L. Masarà, Francesco e Matteo Danesin, Alberto Campanile, FotoStudio 23, 

Comune di Padova-Gabinetto Fotografico, Museo Nazionale Atestino, Parco Regionale Colli Euganei, Ottica Turlon, Antonio Mazzetti, Butterfly Arc, Soprintendenza 

Archeologica per il Veneto, Salvador Condè, Comune di Abano Terme, Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani, Museo Civico della Navigazione Fluviale, Comune di Teolo. 

Comune 

Teolo 

March 2006

The Euganean Spas

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