Embedded in the Eugeanan hills, Abano Terme is a city with the best Italian flair. The old town captivates with historical sights, the pedestrian zone that leads directly into the “new town” of Abano, from Piazza Fontana to the Giardini des Montirone.

The present Cathedral of San Lorenzo in the old town center of Abano was built in 1780 as a replacement for a church that used to be there. The free-standing belfry, the base of which was erected in the 10th century, characterizes the appearance of the old town. The upper part of the Campanile dates from 1315. In the cathedral there are some important works of art from the school of Jacopo Ceruti of the "Pitocchetto" as well as other works by Pietro della Vecchia and Luigi Strazzabosco. The trachyte facade made of volcanic rock from the Euganean hills dates from

1967.

The Piazza del Sole e della Pace borders directly on the cathedral of San Lorenzo. Worth seeing is the sundial by astronomer Salvador Condè, which is one of the largest in Europe with an area of 3000 square meters.

The real wealth of the city of Abano Terme is shown above all in the countless historical fountains of the city, which gush the famous thermal water from the springs of the Euganean hills. This hyperthermal bromine-iodine-brine water with its slight radioactivity rises at a temperature of 87 degrees Celsius and has been used for centuries as a healing water against nervous disorders and rheumatism. Abanos Thermenhotels offer extensive treatments with the volcanic healing water as mud, inhalation and modern wellness therapies.

The Montirone with its Giardini is a gentle hill in the middle of the Abanos spa area, which is considered to be the origin of the bathing establishment, the first publicly accessible springs with thermal water and baths were found here. The Colle del Montirone testifies to the historical importance of the hill, which has always had innumerable natural thermal springs. Today, ancient stone pools can still be seen as a symbol of the millennial thermal tradition in Abano.

The municipal area extends over 21.57 km2 and is mainly flat. The average height is 14 meters above sea level, with the exception of the Eugean hills. Abano's climate is mostly mild throughout the year with an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius.

(c) Elisabeth Storer