The Euganean Spas

The healing virtues of the Terme Euganee waters were already appreciated by the Euganean people, who over 2000 years ago had a sacred lake here for the veneration of the God Aponus, the god of thermal waters. During the Roman age (1st-2nd c. A.D.), the Fons Aponi (Aponus’spring) became very important and famous. The spas were attended both for healing and religious reasons: the legend says that one of the roman Emperors went to the Fons Aponi to have the response of the Gerione oracle, a mysterious god who said the future through the hot waters.
The imperial palace, a partly-covered amphitheatre also used for shows on water, patrician villas and residences, places of cult, reflection walks, and rich thermal baths: this is how the Fons Aponi appeared in Roman times. The growing interest in the spas led the Da Carrara family, rulers of Padua in the 14th c., to promote a deep survey of the waters.

The survey was led by the University of Padua and it continues still today thanks to the studies of the Centro Studi Termali Veneto Pietro D’Abano (Spa Study Centre). Through in-depth study of the primary components of the thermal resources –water, algae, muds- the Study Centre performs systematic research into the thermal medicine and constantly monitors the effects of fangotherapy in order to guarantee the utmost quality.

The spa hotels are specialized in the various spa treatments: fangotherapy, balneotherapy , hydrokinetic therapy and inhalation therapy. Besides the astonishing abilities to aid and restore, the thermal waters are also used in beauty treatments. Thanks to the modern, accomodating bath establishments, you can regain your vigour, relax and achieve that lost sense of well-being.

After the spa treatments a wide range of sports and outdoor activities can be practised in the area. The Euganean Hills, which surround the spas, are most inviting for those who wish to keep in shape or enjoy sports. In fact, this context, which mixes modern facilities and beautiful natural environment, lends itself to numerous activities, such as golf, horse riding, cycling, rock-climbing, jogging or simply walking along the paths of the hills.

The historical and artistical heritage is vast, too. Among the hills you will find historical monuments, villas, castles, museums, ancient abbeys and monasteries. And last but not the least, you will be surprised to discover the excellent local cuisine, which combines wholesome food and genuine wines. Here nature has helped create the special flavours of the traditional dishes, offering, especially in Spring and in Autumn, numerous varieties of wild herbs, mushrooms, produce of the undergrowth and vegetables to be used in risottos, omelettes and other specialties.