Nestling in the gentle Euganean hills, Abano Terme is the heart of the biggest and oldest thermal complex in Europe. For B>a holiday that is the essence of relaxation and complete wellbeing there is no better place than this. Only ten kilometres or so from Padua, this place can cater for every sort of need a tourist can have. Frequented above all for mud therapy, Abano was already a proper "spa town" in Roman times. Even today, the city is famous for this activity and for the countless specialised centres, that represent a culture of well-being that is unique in the world for its history and tradition. The pride of Abano is its hotels, elegant and modern structures equipped with therapy sections /A>, that allow thermal or beauty treatment without leaving the hotel. A novelty in recent years has been the beauty centres, specialising in beauty treatment, which is provided together with more traditional therapy.

A holiday at the spa of Abano is ideal for anyone who likes sporting activities. It is no accident that the lovely Fiona May, World Champion long jumper will give her endorsement for Abano and Montegrotto for the next four years. Every hotel offers its guests up to date fitness centers, parks and gardens which provide a beautiful setting for the swimming pools fed from the thermal waters which ever hotel has access to: swimming pools to relax in or to reinvigorate the body with aquafitness. A few minutes from the hotel are three magnificent golf clubs for entertainment and relaxation. If you enjoy cycling, you can hire a bicycle from the hotel and discover the treasures of the Parco Colli Euganei and its surrounding plain.

The restaurant 'Casa Vecia', member of the prestigious gastronomic association "Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe", is the best place to try the delicious cuisine of the Veneto. The brother Stefano and Andrea, the gourmets of the house, will welcome you to the family atmosphere of their two small dining rooms, decorated in a warm and elegant style. The cuisine is traditional, but adapted with creativity by the chefs. They serve meat and fish dishes selected strictly according to what is in season. All this makes the 'Casa Vecia' an unmissable stop for anyone staying in the Euganean spas.

Our visit to Abano starts in the heart of the little town, at the Duomo di San Lorenzo. Founded in 971, the cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th century and there were a number of subsequent alterations. To the side of the sacristy are the Piazza del Sole e della Pace, formally opened in 1996. In this square is the Meridiana Sun Clock of Abano Terme, one of the biggest in Europe. It is horizontal, occupying an area of 3000 square metres and has been laid out in coloured marbles, making it unique of its kind. Continuing along the town's main avenue, Viale delle Terme, you pass the Town Hall and reach the spa area of Abano, now a completely pedestrian zone, where the town's two historic hotels, the Grand Hotel Orologio and the Hotel Trieste e Victoriaare situated across the street from each other. The first dates back to the 18th century and was rebuilt in the first half of the last century by Japelli, who also restored the park next to it. The second is famous for having hosted the Italian Supreme Commander during the First World War (1915-18). Here General Armando Diaz prepared the text of the Armistice with Austria-Hungary which was signed in the nearby Villa Giusti. In honour of this event, "Victoria" was added to the hotel name.

A short distance away are the Montirone springs, the oldest of the thermal fountains in Abano. At this point we are not far from the Sanctuary of Monteortone , a national monument dedicated to the Madonna of Health. Another covent stands a little further on, at the top of Monte S.Daniele. It dates from the 11th century and today is a Convent of Benedictine nuns.

The Lido island has one of the most famous beaches in Italy. In the past this was where the court of the doge came on the day of the "Sposalizio del mare", (wedding of the sea ceremony, marking the importance of the sea in the life of Venice). Today it is the summer location of the Casinò Municipale. Treat yourself to an out of the ordinary evening and challenge the blindfolded goddess at the green table.

The Euganean hills, which rise from the flat and unvarying Po valley have always been an attraction for those seeking reinvigoration of mind and body through contact with an extraordinary natural environment. Dotted about with an amazing series of monasteries, abbeys and castles, the area has offered not only a place of refuge and meditation for monks and friars, but also a place for poets, writers and scientists to withdraw and seek inspiration. Today the Euganean Hills Regional Park, set up in 1989, extends over an area of approximately 19,000 hectares of volcanic hills. Age old oaks and chestnut forests alternate with Mediterranean maquis and with wide terraces of vineyards and orchards. del Walled towns and castles, as well as the architecture of the sumptuous Venetian villas tell centuries of history, art and tradition. The Euganean Hills Park can be visited by bicycle, following one of the numerous scenic routes which climb its slopes, and the network of over twenty maintained pathways.

Pushing on just a few kilometres beyond the district boundaries, you can visit the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia. Bathed in the green of the Euganean hills, it represents one of the medieval landmarks of the benedictine work of agricultural colonisation. It has been a player in many historical events. Founded in the 11th century, it became the fee of the Imperor Frederick II in the 13th century. Later it became independent then it came into a noble estate, and finally part of San Giustina, until it was dissolved in 1810 by Napoleon. Today the community runs a guest service offering hospitality to groups and individuals who wish to be near to the spiritual life of the order.

Surrounded by the splendid countryside of the Euganean hills, the restaurant "La Montanella' in Acqua Petrarca is the perfect place to sample the B>traditional cooking of the Po region, exalted by the chefs' ideas, but staying faithful to genuine local delicacies.