Montegrotto Terme is a small town in the province of Padua, Veneto. The name of the town derives from the ancient Roman toponym of “Mons Aegrottorum”. It refers to the therapeutic properties of the waters that flow hot from the underground throughout the territory of the Colli Euganei.
The thermal baths of Montegrotto are located a few kilometres from Padua. The area is the largest thermal basin in Europe and it offers a total of 148 different hotels and spas, that guarantee maximum well-being.
Wellness in Montegrotto Terme: muds and healing waters
The thing that has made Montegrotto Terme known is absolutely its hot water – renowned for its therapeutic properties – that flows from its subsoil.
This is a natural phenomenon due to the particular geological conformation of Colli Euganei. The magmatic ramparts – which were formed around 35 million years ago – have created a kind of barrier for groundwater flowing at great depths. Therefore, the water is heated and makes its way towards the surface. It is collected in the wells of the thermal establishments, where it reaches 87°C.
The most valuable element of the territory, as well as the main tourist resource of Montegrotto Terme, is mud. It is collected from the surrounding areas and it is left to mature in special pools of thermal water until the process is complete. During this process, chemical-physical and biological reactions are triggered by a special type of algae called “diatoms”, which produces substances that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. These elements are essential for therapeutic benefits.
All of the hotels that make up the Montegrotto Terme spa center are part of the Permanent Thermal Observatory of the University of Padua. They form a monitoring network for the quality control and the thermal mud maturation process.
The thermal baths of Montegrotto are well known for the services they offered and because they provide a full range of treatments and thermal tourism.
But what is the real strength of Montegrotto Terme? Combining the health-giving effects of the therapeutic springs with the pleasure of a traditional holiday offering sea, mountains and hills.
The Euganean Spas – with their ancient and evocative atmosphere – offer a holiday of absolute relaxation and wellbeing among thermal baths and mud therapy sessions, the oldest of the thermal cures. But you can also enjoy a round of golf or a horse riding. These spa represent the excellence of a range of proposals and hospitality that satisfy every need.
Here, the thermal tradition of the ancient Romans meets the cutting edge of the world’s most popular spa therapies.
These thermal treatments, over years, can truly benefit bones, muscles and joints. Specifically, in rheumatology field, these therapeutic treatments bring important medical benefits: osteoporosis, rheumatism, traumatic injuries, fracture sequelae, orthopaedic operations, gout and primary inflammatory conditions benefit most.
Between history and archeology: what to see
This area is particularly rich in natural, artistic and cultural beauty. The springs of Montegrotto Terme are part of the Natural Park of the Veneto Region “Colli Euganei”. Here, in addition to the spa treatments available, it is possible to enjoy interesting excursions and walks to discover the beauties of this area of Italy.
The Church of Saints Peter’s and Eliseus and the Oratory of the Madonna stands at the center of the old town of Montegrotto Terme. Its beautiful Romanesque bell tower was built on pre-existing medieval fortifications.
Not far from the top of the hill, the Archaeological area of the Republican and Augustan Age extends. The excavations – took place during the first half of the 1900s – brought to light the remains of a thermal complex with three diving tanks of various shapes and an articulated system with pipes, drains and settling wells. Besides, near the thermal complex, there is a small first-century theater and a nymphaeum.
In Monte Ceva (in the Municipality of Montegrotto Terme) stands a manor villa, that is now considered part of the local cultural heritage: Villa Draghi. The construction of the villa dates back to the 1700s and it was owned by various noble families. Today, the remains of the ancient noble garden – which preserves unusual plants for that type of environment – are still visible all around the building.
A definite must-see is the Butterfly Arc: the first exhibition of “live” butterflies in Italy. The most beautiful and largest specimens in the world fly freely amongst the plants and flowers in three tropical gardens: the Amazonian, the Indo-Australian and the African.
What to see nearby
- Padova (22 minutes by car)
Padova has very ancient origins. Visiting this city will bring you into contact with the highest values of Veneto and with some of the greatest masterpieces of art of all time. Priceless treasures, from over two thousand years of history, are preserved here. - Arquà Petrarca (25 minutes by car)
Arquà Petrarca, immersed in the Euganean Hills, retains the ancient charm of medieval villages; for this reason it has been included in the association of the “Most beautiful villages in Italy” of the Italian Touring Club. It owes its fame to Francesco Petrarca, the poet who spent the last years of his life there. - Euganean Hills Regional Park (18 minutes by car)
The Euganean Hills are a mountainous area, where the peculiar geological history has made possible the formation of an extraordinary botanical and faunal biodiversity. A dense network of footpaths and hiking routes allows you to explore the area in a sustainable way.
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