hermae.The Euganean SpasA place of cultureand well-being.

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it a unique thermal resource, the only one of its kind in the world. The beneficial strength of the water, which todayis scientifically classified as hyperthermal bromo-iodine-saltwater, has been used by man for centuries for therapeuticpurposes, and lies at the root of all the most modern therapies and aesthetic treatments carried out in the manyspecialised spa hotels in the Euganean spa area: from balneotherapy to mud therapy, from hydrokinesitherapy to inhalation treatments, and the widest range of beautyand relaxation treatments. Each spa hotel offers indoor and outdoor spa pools and a whole department dedicatedto 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 havebeen classified with the “I Super” qualification issued by theItalian Ministry of Health, which demonstrates the respectof the natural resources in the basin and the strict disciplinein the use of the water in order to assure the conservation of this incomparable natural resource. And on top of this, theconstant commitment of the “Pietro d’Abano” Spa Study Centre,which carefully studies the main components of the spa watersand carries out systematic research into spa medicine andthe effects of mud therapy, to guarantee total quality in the therapies carried out and their scientific and therapeutic values.

3000 m. In the subsoil, the water runs for approximately 80km 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, itreturns to the surface at a temperature of 87°C, rich ingeothermal energy and dissolved substances that make

The Euganean Spas.The largest spa centre in Europe.“All the happiness of the Venetian characterlies in its waters”Stendhal, 1817

Welcome to the Euganean spas, where the healthy, beneficialwaters have been flowing for more than three thousandyears, bringing life to the largest spa centre in Europe.The Euganean spa waters belong to the category of deepunderground waters, and their precious uniqueness is assuredduring its long journey upwards before reaching theEuganean lands. Renowned and appreciated since protohistorictimes, today they are still a source of health and well-being.The meteoric water comes from the Lower Dolomites andfrom the Lessini mountains in the pre-Alps, flowing into thesubsoil through the limestone to reach a depth of more than

Abano Terme, monumental entrance to the Montirone.

Montegrotto Terme, Cathedral.

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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.

fountains, libraries, conference and exhibition rooms, theatres and beautiful patrician villas were built, all welldocumented 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 poetClaudius Claudian, following his visit to the area between396 and 399 AD. Following the fall of the Roman Empire,also Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, was to enjoy thespa, as witnessed in his famous letter, in which he proclaimsAbano as the “ornament of my realm, famous throughoutthe world”.

But at the end of the VI century, the Longobard hordes ofking Agilulfo stormed the town, sowing destruction andruin, and so the Euganean spas fell into oblivion for manycenturies. Many archaeological testimonials remain of theopulence of the ancient Roman spa, including the largearchaeological area at Montegrotto Terme, the many findings on show at the Atestino National Museum at Este,the Eremitani Civic Museum in Padua and many ancientliterary sources.

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“…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, coveringan enormous area …”Claudian, Aponus, IV century AD

With this troubling, supernatural vision, the poet ClaudiusClaudian describes the sacred lake that covered the areawhere the Euganean Spas now lie. In this territory, which at the time was mainly marshland and forest, boiling sulfureous spa waters sprang spontaneous in bubblingsprings. An extraordinary phenomenon, considered divinein origin by the ancient Venetian people, so much so that as early as the VIII century BC religious ceremonies wereheld in the sacred lake, with sacrifices to the gods and baths offering benefits and good health.

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 godimprisoned in the bowels of the earth who prophesised thefuture through a priest or priestess, guardians of the temple,who were able to interpret the prophesies of the god throughthe spa waters. Svetonius recounts that also young Tiberiusinvoked the sacred spa spring and, at the request of the oracle,

The Euganean Spas in ancient times.

threw in golden dice to find out whether his destiny would be favourable in the battle with the Pannonians, an obligatorystep to his accession to the Emperor’s throne. The dice werethrown, and both landed with the highest score upwards.Tiberius conquered the Pannonians and became Emperor (1st century AD).

From 49 BC, when Patavium and the neighbouring lands,including the Euganean Spas, became municipium, an upperclass 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 spastations. The ancient lakeside sanctuary became a rich, multipurpose spa location, visited to revive both body and spirit. Around the spa baths, wide avenues, gardens,

Above, Abano Terme, The building housingthe “Therapy, holiday and tourism board”,decorative bas-reliefs (detail).

Archaeological dig carried out at the turn of the 20th century that led to the discoveryof thousands of ex voto, including chalices,cups, vases and bronze objects, all from the Paleovenetian era. Today most of theseare displayed in the beautiful rooms of the National Atestino Museum in Estethe Eremitani Civic Museum in Paduaand the International Artistic Glass and Spa Museum in Montegrotto Terme.

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The extraordinary therapeutic properties of the spa watersare applied to a wide range of restorative and well-beingtreatments and programmes.

Balneotherapy: involves the immersion of the body in a single tub filled with hot, ozone-enrichedspa 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 muscularatrophy, post-traumatic rehabilitation following traumas,fractures and surgery, chronic inflammation and skin conditions.

Hydrokinesitherapy: uses the physical andchemical properties of the water in an ideal treatment formuscle deficit, to regain physical strength following surgery,and for those suffering from arthrosis. In addition to beingnatural and effective, it is also a fun, relaxing therapy thatis 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 helpsall kinds of upper and lower respiratory conditions, and iseffective 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 lostenergy, beauty and all-round well-being through massage,innovative treatments, a balanced diet and treatments usingspa products.

Well-being therapy.

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Abano Terme.Today Abano Terme is one of the most famous spa resorts in Europe. Its large scale accommodation capacity, spreadacross many hotels all equipped to offer special spa treatment services, holds the record of being the largest spatown in the world. The city centre has a large pedestrianprecinct, filled with old and modern buildings, large hotelswith well-tended gardens, shops, bars and restaurants, andthe 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 flowingspa springs, was particularly dear to the ancient Patavini, whoin Roman times surrounded it with villas and spa stations.

The entrance to theold spring, whereuntil the second halfof the 1800s thewater still flowedspontaneously at atemperature of 80°C,is marked by an early19th centuryCorinthian colonnadeand a mighty Doriccolumn crowned by achalice wrapped inthe coils of a snake,designed by GiuseppeJappelli in 1825 forthe visit of EmperorFranz I of Austria.The two buildings

either side of the entrance house the civic Montirone ArtGallery, with its collection of 15th - 20th century paintings,drawings and engravings, and the municipal Modern ArtGallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions. OppositeMontirone there is a small oratory designed by DomenicoCerato in 1780, which today is used as an exhibition centre.

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 mostfamous sons of Aponus. Another decorative element of this garden is the Harlequin fountain, by Amleto Sartori,artist of international fame, to whom also the MaskMuseum, located in Villa Savioli, is dedicated.

Grand Hotel Orologio, one of the emblems of the history of Abano, this beautiful building was constructed in the17th century by the noble family Dondi dall’Orologio, and was extended in the 19th 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 SupremeCommand during the First World War (1918), and GeneralArmando Diaz often stayed here in an apartment on thefirst floor. Viale delle Terme: wide, tree-lined avenue, the real dynamic heart of the town, with its shops, hotels, bars and restaurants.

3 Abano Terme, New Town Spa Gardens.

4 Abano Terme, Villa Savioli, “Amleto e Donato Sartori” Mask Museum.

5 Abano Terme, “Amletoe Donato Sartori” International Mask Museum.

6 Abano Terme, Kursaal Gardens, Statue in honour of Pietro d’Abano.3 4

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2 1 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.Pietro d’Abano: born in 1257,Pietro, son of the notaryCostanzo, spent much time in Constantinople, and completed his studies at the University of Paduabefore going on to become the greatest Italian scientist of the 14th century.He taught medicine, philosophy and astrology at the University of Paris, and from 1306 at theUniversity of Padua. Expert in Greek Byzantine and Arabic arts, he believedthat a good doctor should also be a good astrologer and an expert alchemist. This multi-disciplinarityattracted the attention of the Court of the Inquisition,and he was accused of necromancy and heresy, and in 1316 his body wasburned at the stake.Pietro believed that humanmatters were influenced by the stars. His theoriesinspired the splendid astrological cycle, frescoed in the “Palazzo della Ragione”in Padua.

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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 m2)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 late1996, and constitutes a work of the highest scientific, astronomic and educational value. The S. LorenzoCathedral is the main religious building in the town centre. It was founded in the second half of the 10th century, but its current condition dates back to the 18th century, and is the work of the architect Domenico Cerato. Inside wecan find 16th century sculptures by Tommaso Allio, theFlagellation on the upper altar by Bartolomeo Litterini(1712) and a Via Crucisattributed to CarloHenrici. The lovely belltower dates back to1314, with its basefrom the 10th century.Parco Urbano Termale:a jewel of modernarchitecture, designedby one of the mostfamous architects andarchitecture historians,Paolo Portoghesi.

This large complex, which blends harmoniously in with the buildings and architecture of the spa town, has beenconceived 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.

Villas and Parks.

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

centuries, enrich both the town centre and the surroundinggreen hills. Villa Savioli, built in the 17th century and extended in the following centuries, houses the extraordinary Amleto e Donato Sartori International MaskMuseum. Villa Bassi Rathgeb, built in the 16th century andrestored in the 1700s, belonged to the noble family Dondidell’Orologio. Inside the frescoes are by Antonio Buttafuoco.In the 19th century many famous people stayed here, including Eugenio Beauharnais, Napoleon’s stepson,

and Viceroy to the Kingdom of Italy. Since 1979 the villaand 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 Palladianvilla built in the 16th century. The façade has four semi-columns surmounted by a triangular tympanum. A staircase decorated with statues leads directly to the firstfloor. Inside (not open to the public) the lounge is decoratedwith precious frescoes by GiovanBattista Zelotti, friend and apprentice of Paolo Veronese.

1 Abano Terme, New Town Spa Gardens.

2 Abano Terme, S. Lorenzo Cathedral.

3 Abano Terme, View of the pedestrian area.

4 Abano Terme,Via Jappelli.

5 Abano Terme, Piazza Repubblica.

Villa Mocenigo Mainardi: this complex, where GiacomoCasanova also resided in 1779, includes a small oratoryfacing over the road. Other villas of particular architecturalinterest are: Villa Sette (late 17th century with some early19th century modifications), Villa Erizzo Zanin(19th 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 waswriting “The last letters of Jacopo Ortis” (1796), and finallyVilla Selvatico Treves, built in the 16th century but completely renovated in the 19th century in line with the rules of architectural Eclecticism.

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”.

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Among the parks we may mention the historical gardens atVilla Bembiana, in Monterosso. Lying at the foot of the hill,its rich vegetation includes many species of theMediterranean Maquis, and specimens of holm oak. Thevilla, which is not open to the public, was home to the poet,historian and philologist Pietro Bembo (15th - 16th century).At the end of the First World War the Italian VictoryBulletin was drawn up here.

Sanctuaries and monasteries.At Monteortone, just outside Abano Terme, we can find the lovely sanctuary dedicated to the “Madonna dellaSalute” (Madonna of Health). The church was built in the 15th century at the place where, in 1428, a soldiernamed Pietro Falco was miraculously cured of the plaguewhen he found a wooden image of the Virgin in a smallcave and then bathed in the waters of a fountain thatflowed at the foot of Monteortone Hill. The church, in the form of a Latin cross with an apsidal nave and twoaisles and a bell tower dating back to the 15th century stillhouses the miraculous image of the Madonna, and eachyear is visited by many pilgrims. Inside, the church is decorated with many paintings from the 15th century,including frescoes of saints, prophets and kings in the leftnave, and some frescoes by Jacopo da Montagnana

in the Chapel of theCrucifix and on the wallsof both aisles, beautifulmarble bas-reliefs in thepresbytery and the tombsof the monk Simone daCamerino, founder of theannexed Agostinian monastery, and othermonks as well as the tombof the noblewomanMaddalena CardiniCapodivacca (1491). The entrance portal inIstrian stone is also noteworthy, the work of Matteo and Tommaso Allio (1667). Next to the church is the oldAgostinian 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 constructiondates back to 1075, built by the noble da Montagnon familyin honour of the Paduan martyr Daniele. In 1461 it washome 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 fromRijeka in 1948. Within the complex, the church, built in 1711 by Francesco Muttoni, a panoramic loggia and somerooms on the ground floor are open to the public.

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.

Abano Terme:Monument Statue of ChristopherColumbus, by PaoloBoldrin (1956) donated to the townby Armido Bonato.

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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 20th December to 6th January: Christmas Decorations Fair.• Weekly market: Wednesday.

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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 8th

and 3rd centuries BC stood exactly here, in the area betweenMonte Castello and Colle Montagnone. The lake coveredaround 2 square kilometres and was round in shape, originating from a spa water spring. The sulphurous exhalations, considered to be divine, came naturally andpowerfully from the centre of the earth and were revered withvotive offerings, including vases, chalices, cups and glasses.

Marble slab withinscription from the 1st century AD attesting the cult of the waters ofAponus, “A.A.V.S.L.M. Aquis Aponi votum solvit libens merito,”now displayed at the MaffeianoMuseum in Verona.

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.

3 Montegrotto Terme, Bell tower at the Oratorio della Madonna.

4 Montegrotto Terme, Berta Tower on Mount Castello, private property.

5 Montegrotto Terme, Town hall.

6 Montegrotto Terme, “Alberi metallici”, glass sculpture by Del Negro.

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4 5The legend of Berta.Legend has it that in 1084 Henry IV of Germany and his wifeBertha of Savoy were guests of the noble Da Montagnon family(from Montagnon, the ancient medieval Montegrotto). Duringtheir stay, a poor spinner came before the queen. She had thesame name as the queen, and was as beautiful as she waspoor, 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 muchland as could be cordoned off with the reel of thread that thepoor spinner had presented to her. Word of the queen’s compassionate gesture spread quickly, and many other womenhurried to the castle to try to obtain the same treatment, butthe queen replied with the famous phrase, “Berta’s spinningtime 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.

a small amount of the rich imperial spa town, which wascertainly one of the most representative of the “X RegioVenetia et Istria”. Among the findings, some baths, one of which has marble flooring, spa water pipes, the remainsof an aqueduct and the foundations of a range of buildings.

From the 2nd century BC onwards, in Roman times, the lakelost its sacred function and Montegrotto became a large,famous spa location. The current name of this place is infact Roman, Mons Aegrotorum, meaning the mountain ofthe sick. Ancient Latin authors described the Euganean spawaters as prodigious and, as Claudian writes, “withoutdamage, they renew lost vigour and calm the sicknesses ofthe suffering, who return to good health”. The origin ofthese therapeutic properties was attributed to the presenceof Aponus, the god protector of the springs. Still in Romantimes, in addition to their curative properties the waterswere also attributed with special oracular powers. Accordingto literary sources, oracle of Gerion was consulted in theancient S. Pietro Montagnon, today known as Montegrotto.In the archaeological area in the centre of MontegrottoTerme the foundations of some buildings dating back to theJulius-Claudius period can be seen, and these represent just

With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, a long periodof darkness and silence reigned, and the Spas suffered froman economic and urban slump.In medieval times the Spas were still in use, but it was only

from the 15th century, with the arrival of the nobility of the Serenissima that they were restored to their ancientsplendour, frequented for both therapy and pastime.In the 18th century the first organic scientific studies werecarried out on the composition and provenance of thewaters, 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 mostfamous and loved destinations of spa tourism in Europe.

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Not to be missed.

Villa Draghi: set against the splendid backdrop of a park measuring 316,000 m2, this beautiful 19th century villa lies on a small hill half way up Mount Alto. It is a unique example of eclectic architecture, close to the Venetian andoriental styles with typical medieval elements, and this buil-ding, which has been uninhabited for a long time and is ina poor state of abandon, has unfortunately been stripped ofits most important architectural furnishings, of which todayonly some rare photos remain. The villa still conserves its crowning Ghibelline battlements, which give it theappearance of a castle. A nature trail, called the “Villa

Draghi and MountCeva Pathway”,departs from out-side the villa. Thisis one of the mainhill walks in theRegional Park ofthe Euganean Hills.Approximately 10km long, it offerssplendid view ofone of the mostrich and variedhillside environ-ments, with chestnut, acaciaand oak woods,vast meadows,Mediterraneanmaquis, vineyards,and rocky sections

with their typical rocky vegetation.The International Artistic Glass and Spa Museum has beenhoused inside the Villa Draghi farmhouse, since December2005, displaying more than 500 works by Giordano Guarnieri,historical master glassmaker from Murano, Umberto del Negroand other master glassmakers from Murano including Veniniand 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 18th century, probably built from a castle tower.Cathedral: built in the mid-18th century on the flattened summit of Prebenda hill, this new church houses modern frescoes by Armando Migliolaro and sculptures by Luigi Strazzabosco.

1 Montegrotto Terme, Cathedral.

2 Montegrotto Terme, Villa Callas, detail of the entrance portal.

3 Montegrotto Terme, International Artistic Glass and Spa Museum.

4 Montegrotto Terme,Butterfly Arc and Fairy wood.Below, Montegrotto Terme, Butterfly Arc – Butterfly House.

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Montegrotto Terme.Main events and traditional festivals.• 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. • 2nd Sunday of the month: Antiques market.• Weekly market: Thursday.

Butterfly Arc-the butterflyhouse: thousands of tropicalbutterflies fly freely aroundthis extraordinary placeopen to all, scientists, students, butterfly loversand other visitors; walkingthrough the tropical gardensit is possible to observe the life of these splendidcreatures, and watch theirevolution from egg to adultbutterfly, their splendidcolours and infinite forms.The complex also includesthe Fairy Wood and a largeinsectarium.

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 particularityof the forms of life that have populated the earth in thevarious 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 Caposedadates back to 1559. Following careful restoration, it is nowthe headquarters of the International Atelier of the PlasticArts, 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’Arenafamily, provide refuge for a group of bandits led by the infamous brigand Giovanni Stella in the 19th century.

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5 Montegrotto Terme, “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.

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Galzignano Terme.Ancient settlement on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Rua,where the valleys Pavaglione and Cingolina meet, GalzignanoTerme conserves a natural and practically uncontaminatedenvironment with mainly rural settlements, making it theideal destination for those wishing to spend a relaxing holidayclose to nature. The territory is still scattered with noble villasbuilt by rich families from Padua and Venice who loved thepleasant and fertile Galzignano valleys.One outstanding example is Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani,at Valsanzibio, with its historical gardens that are among themost important gardens in Europe. The green, variable

natural countryside has earned the attention and developmentof 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.

Not to be missed.Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani gardens:the historical garden of Valsanzibio is one of the historicnatural features of excellence in Italy. Surrounded by a splendid hillside amphitheatre, it was created in the second half of the 17th century by the Venetian noble Zuane Francesco Barbarigo, helped by his sonAntonio, and is still today one of the most important and intact historical gardens in Europe. The high symbolismof the park was inspired by Gregorio Barbarigo, cardinaland later saint, while the design is attributed to the mostimportant papal architect and fountain maker of the 17th century, Luigi Bernini. In this historical garden, water animates an extraordinary world of fountains, streams and fishponds. Between high boxhedges 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 arrangedamong trees and shrubs covering an area of fifteen hectares.It includes significant features including the great Maze,

1 Euganean hills,view.

2 Valsanzibiodi Galzignano Terme, Villa Barbarigo-Pizzoni Ardemani gardens, Diana’s Portal.

3-4 Valsanzibiodi Galzignano Terme, Villa Barbarigo-Pizzoni Ardemani, detail of the gardens.

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Galzignano Terme.Main events and traditional festivals.• 1st Sunday in May: Spring Festival, olive oil fair at Valsanzibio.• 1st Sunday in October: Galzignano Terme: Rosario Fair

and “Palio dei mussi” (mule race).• Weekly Market: Wednesday.

Rabbit Island, the Monument of Time and the Water effects,Diana’s bath (the old monumental entrance) and three largefishponds broken with fountains was designed and built to symbolise the path of man towards his own perfectibilityand salvation.S. Maria Assunta: in a splendid position on a green hillshaded by cypress trees, this ancient and disused church stillconserves traces of some 17th century frescoes. Pieve di S. Lorenzo: immersed in a tranquil atmospherereminiscent of days gone by, the hamlet of S. Lorenzo runsalong the crest of Mount Staffolo through farmyards, vegetable patches, gardens and vineyards as far at theChurch of S. Lorenzo, dating back to the 11th century

5 Valsanzibio di GalzignanoTerme, Villa Barbarigo-Pizzoni Ardemani, detail of the maze.

6 Olive groves on the Euganean hills.

7 Galzignano Terme, view of the spa halls.6

but extended to its current size in the mid 17th century.Footpaths: from Galzignano Terme some of the most pleasant and interesting trails in the Regional Park of theEuganean hills can be followed. The Mount Venda trail startsat Casa Marina in Sottovenda: this hill (601 m.) is the highestin the Euganean hill range, and is rich in landscape, natureand historical-monumental features, including the suggestiveruins of the Olivetani Monastery. The Monte Gallo, Montedelle Grotte and Monte delle Basse trail starts at CaseSteogarda, offering splendid views of the Monte Rua hermitage,the villages of Galzignano and Valsanzibio and many hillsincluding Monselice hill with the Federiciano Dungeon.32

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Battaglia Terme.Bordered to north and south by two sumptuous princelyresidences, lying gently between the Hills to the west andmeandering canals leading to the sea to the east, BattagliaTerme is a surprising town, totally different from the othertowns in the Padua area. Here, everything seems to belinked or related to water. The town stretches along thebanks of a wide river, with a footbridge reminiscent ofVenice, and houses the only River Navigation Museum inthe whole of Italy, as well as being the home to someimportant hydrauliccreations includingthe Arco di Mezzo(middle arch) andthe Conca diNavigazione (lock).Even the toponymyof Battaglia, onceknown as Baptalea,is tied to the waterand could have ori-ginally meant “theplace of the baths”.Right from the 11th

century in fact, thenatural spa grottoat S. Elena Hill andthe relative baths

have characterised and identified this place. From the 13th

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 papermill, which no longer exists but which was very famous in centuries gone by.

Not to be missed.Castello del Catajo: stately 16th

century fortified residence built on the slopes of Montenovo on thewishes of Pio Enea degli Obizzi,famous Serenissima commander and inventor of the howitzer (siegecannon). The building, which has350 rooms, lounges decorated withsplendid frescoes by G.B. Zelotti,favourite apprentice of PaoloVeronese, corridors, staircases, a vasthistorical garden, fountains, parkwith free-roaming deer, is one of themost imposing and completePatrician villas of the Veneto region,now used to hold prestigious eventsand congresses. The terrace offers asplendid view over the surroundinghillside amphitheatre.

Villa Selvatico Sartori: beautiful, fairytale residence built at the turn of the 16th century by the Selvatico family onthe Sant’Elena hill, also known as “stupa” mountain, wherean ancient sweating cave can be found. Surrounded by a large secular park, redesigned by Jappelli in the 19th century,the villa was recently cleverly renovated, conserving its original and unique style, which set a trend for baroqueVenetian rules, and inside a series of frescoes representingthe mythological stories of the city of Padua, by LucaFerrari, the decoration of the cupola with the compass roseby Lorenzo Bedogni, and the Glory of the Selvatico familyby 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 shapein 1703. It housesprecious altars, anattractive stoup inred Verona marble,many statues andaltarpieces datingbetween the 17th

and 18th centuries.Venetian bridge:also known as the“scaìni” bridge(because of its steps,the only bridge ofits kind in thePadua area), it has abrick built Romanarch with a statueof San GiovanniNepomuceno, thepatron saint of thepersecuted innocent, invoked against the dangers of thewater, the work of a local sculptor dating back to thesecond half of the 18th century.Battaglia Canal: this canal crosses the town and is completely navigable, offering interesting tourist potentialnot only due to the expansion of infrastructure includingports 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 stillextremely 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 overseven metres, linking the Battaglia canal, and the Paduanand Euganean territory, with the Rialto-Vigenzone canal,and the sea.

River Navigation Museum: one of its kind in Italy, it celebrates the intense and fervent mercantile activityalong 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, historicalphotographs, drawings and documents, navigation maps,objects used by boatmen on board their vessels, specifictechnical texts, equipment used in boathouses, and toolscovering 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 25th March, on the day of a small local festival, “cuchi”,small, brightly coloured terracotta birds that make a soundsimilar 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, Spinefrasseand 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.

1 Battaglia Terme, Catajo Castle.

2 Battaglia Terme, view of Battaglia Canal.

3 Battaglia Terme, River Nagivation Museum.Below, Battaglia Terme, Arco di Mezzo.

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Battaglia Terme.Main events and traditional festivals.• 25th March: Pigozzo Fair, selling the typical “cuchi”.• 1st 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.• 11th November: Battaglia Terme - San Martino fair with chestnut feast.• From 22 December to 15 January: Nativity scene on the water.• Weekly market: Saturday.

4 Battaglia Terme, Villa Selvatico Sartori.

5 Battaglia Terme, River Nagivation Museum (detail).

6 Battaglia Terme, view of Battaglia Terme.

Teolo.Lying among the most beautiful of the hills, Teolo has veryancient roots, a rich history and an important historical,artistic and naturalist heritage. Tradition has it that it wasthe birthplace of the great Latin historian Titus Livius. The ancient Titulo (Latin for boundary) lies in a strategicposition between the lands of Padua and Este, the two mostimportant Paleovenetian centres. A boundary stone dated141 BC found near the church of S. Giustina di Teolo wouldconfirm the existence of this border area, which was alreadyinhabited in pre-Roman times. In the medieval Teolo wasone of the largest towns in the Padua area, with a podestàtenure 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.

Not to be missed.S. Giustina church: mentioned in a papal decree dated1297, the old church of S. Giustina was built between 1290and 1310, while the bell tower was built in 1400.

In the mid 19th century the church was extended, with the addition of side chapels and the baptistery, while the beautiful cuspidate bell tower we can still admire todayis the original one. Inside, liberty frescoes by GiacomoManzoni from 1912, and the great altar is the work ofDomenico Campagnola (16th century).Palazzetto dei Vicari: built in the 14th century but extendedin the 16th century to house the vicars and noble Paduansappointed by the Serenissima during Venetian domination toadministrative and military functions, today the building ishome to the Contemporary Art Museum dedicated to DinoFormaggio, 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 thickvegetation, are theremains of the most resistant castle of all theEuganean hills. This fort,the only one of all thehilltop castles, was nevertaken in battle, andnature alone was able to drive it into ruin. Toreach the castle remains,also famous for thelegend of Speronella, the shortest path startsat the 15th century farmsat Schivanoia, or followthe “Altavia n. 1 deiColli Euganei” path starting near Treponti di Teolo.

for its important antiquebook and illuminatedmanuscript restoration,carried out by the monksthemselves. Oratorio della Croce di Villa Teolo:the old Crucifix, in poplar wood to theright of the great altar,dates back to the 16th/17th

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 aroundthe year 1000, roundels with the twelve apostles datingback to the late 15th century and a crucifixion attributed to the Paduan school Squarcione.

Footpaths:From Teolo there are two splendid walks signposted by theRegional Park of the Euganean Hills: the Monte Grandepath, with a deviation to the ruins of Rovolon castle, andthe Monte della Madonna path, including a visit to twoancient religious sites, the small S. Antonio Abate oratorydating back to the 14th century and the Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary with its small Benedictine monastery.

S. Maria di Praglia Abbey: founded in the 11th 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 whichthe abbey was extended and restored with the construction ofan elegant church following the designs of Tullio Lombardo,and the reconstruction of part of the monastery. The churchdedicated to the Assumption still conserves numerous frescoesand paintings from the Venetian school and a wooden crucifixattributed to the circle of Giotto. The monastery houses anattractive late 15th century covered cloister, a botanical cloi-ster, a rustic cloister, the precious Capitolo Hall and the monu-mental refectory and the famous “divine loggia” immortalizedby the writer Antonio Fogazzaro in the novel “Piccolo mondomoderno” (1901). The abbey is known throughout the world

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.

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 daCarrara. Having kidnapped her, he locked her away in theRoccapendice Fort and convinced her father to allow him to marry her instead. But the Paduan noblemen, led byIacopino managed to fight their way into the castle, killingPagano and freeing Speronella. According to historic fact,however, as told by the judge Manfredino di Ugone, CountPagano 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.

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Teolo.Main events and traditional festivals.• 4th Sunday in April: Gnocco fair with tasting events

offering local specialities.• First half of August: Holidaymakers’ fair.• 2nd Sunday in October, Bresseo di Teolo: ancient fair with large

market, food stands and fun fair.• Antiques market: 1st Sunday of the month.• Weekly market: Tuesday, Sunday (from April to September).

Riviera dei Mugnai, 835137 PADOVATel. +39.049.8767911Fax +39.049.650794www.turismopadova.itinfo@turismopadova.it

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Abano TermeVia P. d'Abano, 18 Tel. +39 049 8669055 - Fax +39 049 8669053E-mail: infoabano@turismotermeeuganee.itMon-Sat 8.30-13.00 / 14.30-19.00Sun 10.00-13.00 / 15.00-18.00(sundays opening only during high season)

Montegrotto TermeViale Stazione, 60Tel. +39 049 8928311Fax +39 049 795276E-mail: infomontegrotto@turismotermeeuganee.itMon-Sat 8.30-13.00 / 14.30-19.002nd Sun 10.00-13.00 / 15.00-18.00

Battaglia TermeVia Maggiore, 2Tel. +39 049 526909 - Fax +39 049 9101328E-mail: asspro07@prolocobattaglia.191.itSeasonal opening

Teoloc/o Palazzetto dei VicariTel. +39 049 9925680 - Fax +39 049 9900264E-mail: iat.teolo@virgilio.it Seasonal opening

www.turismopadova.it

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

MOTORWAY EXITS

TOWNS

EUGANEAN HILLS

DIRECTION MILANO

VERONAAIRPORT

VENEZIAAIRPORT

TREVISOAIRPORT

DIRECTION BOLOGNA

MOTORWAY A4

MOTORWAY A4

MOT

ORW

AY A

13

DIRECTION TRIESTE

Realized with the contribution of

Comune diGalzignano Terme

ComuneTeolo

Comune diAbano Terme

Provinciadi Padova

Comune diMontegrotto Terme

Comune diBattaglia Terme

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.