ABANO TERME: La Città Termale – The Palladian Traveler

ABANO TERME: La Città Termale – The Palladian Traveler

Embraced by the verdant Euganean Hills, an archipelago of conical-shaped peaks dating back some 35-million years, the thermal baths of Abano Terme, just 54 km southwest of Venice, form the oldest and largest benessere (wellness) center in Europe and, arguably, the world. Specializing in fango-balneotherapy, La Città Termale (The Thermal City) has an ancient, mythical past.

Thermal Spa Heritage

A blend of marshland and forest, sulphurous waters sprang spontaneously millennia ago in bubbling, cauldron-like springs, creating a lake that covered the near earth as far as the eye could see. A phenomenon of extraordinary proportions, this à ponus (Greek for relieving pain) reservoir, considered divine in origin, played host to cult ceremonies, complete with sacrifices offered up to Aponus, the god of thermal and curative water, and from whom Abano Terme derives its name.

Geologically and geothermically speaking, these deep, underground spa waters originate some 80 km north up in the Lower Dolomites, seeping into the subsoil through the limestone. Reaching a depth of 3,000 m, where temperatures rise and the pressure increases dramatically, the mercurial water begins its slow — 25-30 years — flow until it bubbles up, at 87°C, in the Euganean spa basin. Rich in geothermal energy, dissolved substances and minerals make the spa water of Abano a truly unique thermal resource, scientifically classified as hyperthermal bromo-iodine-salt water.

Architectural Wonders

With over 75 spa-wellness hotels, 120 swimming pools, 50 tennis courts, a golf training center, an equestrian center, leafy residential streets, historical villas, loads of parks and gardens, haute cuisine and couture, and access to a network of cycling-walking-trekking paths and hiking and horseback trails, Abano is able to attract more than 250,000 overnight guests a year with an additional 2 million visitors stopping long enough during a calendar year to be statistically counted.

At the monumental entrance to Sorgente Montirone, the little park on Montirone Hill where the history of La Città Termale began, the Corinthian colonnaded gate leads visitors back in time to the very source from which the underground spa waters first bubbled to the surface. The town’s water features, including the circular Fontana di Arlecchino (Harlequin Fountain) and the Columbus Fountain, stand out as architectural centerpieces.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Each of Abano Terme’s benessere hotels — from three-star comfort to five-star luxury, with half and full-pension options — taps directly into the rare, underground spa source, providing guests with medically and professionally-monitored therapies and aesthetic treatments: from balneotherapy to fangotherapy, from hydrokinesitherapy to inhalation treatments, along with an array of beauty and relaxation programs. All fully recognized spa-wellness resorts are classified with the “I Super” qualification issued by the Italian Ministry of Health.

After a full day of pampering, visitors can take an evening stroll along Via delle Terme, Abano’s high street, enjoying window shopping and aperitivos at the many lively outdoor cafés. Nearby, Ristorante Verbena on Via Monteortone offers a gourmet dining experience with a bottle of chilled Ca’ de Frate lugana.

The Palladian Influence

Embraced by the verdant Euganean Hills, Abano Terme’s architecture reflects the enduring influence of the renowned 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio, known for his harmonious interpretation of classical forms. This Palladian style is exemplified in the town’s grand villas, thermal bath designs, and the Parco Termale Urbano (Thermal Urban Park).

Venetian Architectural Style

Palladio’s Venetian architectural style can be seen in the symmetry, proportion, and use of columns and pediments in many of Abano’s buildings. This classical aesthetic blends seamlessly with the town’s natural surroundings, creating a harmonious integration of built and natural environments.

Villa Contarini

One of the most notable examples of Palladian architecture in Abano Terme is the Villa Contarini, a magnificent 16th-century villa built for a prominent Venetian family. The villa’s façade, with its central pediment and flanking wings, is a quintessential expression of Palladio’s design principles.

Thermal Bath Designs

Palladio’s influence can also be seen in the design of Abano’s thermal baths, where the architect’s attention to symmetry, proportion, and the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is evident. The town’s spa facilities seamlessly blend classical architectural elements with the natural thermal springs, creating a truly restorative experience for visitors.

Natural Landscape

The thermal springs that have drawn visitors to Abano Terme for millennia are the result of the town’s unique geological and geothermal characteristics. Originating deep within the Lower Dolomites, the mineralized waters flow for decades before bubbling up in the Euganean spa basin at a scorching 87°C.

Thermal Springs

These hyperthermal bromo-iodine-salt waters are the lifeblood of Abano Terme, providing the foundation for the town’s renowned fango-balneotherapy and other therapeutic treatments. The thermal springs are a true natural wonder, a testament to the region’s geological history and the enduring allure of Abano Terme as a wellness destination.

Verdant Surroundings

The Euganean Hills that embrace Abano Terme are an equally impressive natural feature, an archipelago of cone-shaped peaks that have stood witness to the town’s history for millions of years. This verdant landscape provides a stunning backdrop for the town’s architectural wonders and serves as a gateway to the nearby Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei (Regional Park of the Euganean Hills).

Outdoor Activities

Visitors to Abano Terme can explore this natural wonderland through a network of cycling, walking, and hiking trails that wind through the Euganean Hills. The E2 “anello”, a 68 km ring that circumnavigates the regional park, offers opportunities to discover vineyards, olive groves, and historic sites, while more adventurous travelers can tackle the park’s 31 well-marked rustic trails.

Cultural Treasures

Abano Terme’s rich history and natural assets are complemented by a wealth of cultural attractions, from historic churches to renowned local cuisine and artistic traditions.

Historic Churches

The town’s architecture is not limited to its Palladian villas and thermal bath designs; it also boasts several historic churches, including the Romanesque-style Basilica di Sant’Elena, which dates back to the 11th century and features a distinctive bell tower.

Local Cuisine

Abano Terme’s culinary scene is equally impressive, with a focus on farm-to-fork agri-restaurants that showcase the bounty of the Euganean Hills. Visitors can explore the Strada del Vino Colli Euganei (Wine Road), sampling renowned DOC-rated varietals and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils at the region’s numerous cantine (wineries) and frantoi (olive mills).

Artistic Traditions

The town’s rich cultural heritage is also reflected in its artistic traditions, from the elaborate frescoes and mosaics that adorn the region’s historic churches to the vibrant ceramics and textiles produced by local artisans. Visitors can immerse themselves in these traditions by exploring Abano Terme’s many galleries and workshops.

Embraced by the verdant Euganean Hills and steeped in a captivating history, Abano Terme is a true gem of the Veneto region, offering visitors a unique blend of natural splendor, architectural wonders, and cultural treasures. As a gateway to the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills, La Città Termale invites travelers to indulge in its renowned fango-balneotherapy, explore its Palladian-influenced landscape, and immerse themselves in the rich heritage of this extraordinary thermal city.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn