Our next destination was the Hotel President Terme, in the charming town of Abano Terme,  a scant ten kilometers away from Padua.  Train service, from the central station in Padua, is available, and relatively easy to do, considering that it was such a short trip.  However, for that very reason, and the fact that we were traveling with large luggage, we opted to hire a taxi, and be dropped off right at the entrance of the hotel.  Sometimes, it is worth spending a little bit more money, if it makes your life easier, and this was one of those times!  We had reserved a taxi the night before, and the driver showed up on time, loaded the suitcases into the trunk of the car, and off we went.  Less than twenty minutes later, we were standing in the lobby of the hotel, and checking in.  Below, you will see some photos of our room.

Different packages were available at the hotel, some including all your meals.  We chose to have breakfast at the hotel, and the spa package, which allowed us access to the pools filled with the thermal waters, as well as hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and the lounge chairs outside.  Massages, facials, and other treatments were available at an additional cost.  We loved the place!  Photos were not allowed in the pool area, thus, unfortunately, we will not be showing you any of that.  But, trust me… It was lovely!  They even had a bottle of Prosecco and some chocolates, for us in the room!

Abano Terme is a resort and spa town that has been attracting visitors since the Roman Age.  The spring water here is the main attraction.  It bubbles out of the ground at a whopping 80 degrees Celcius, or176 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is then cooled a bit, before it ends up in the swimming pools of the different hotels and resorts in the area.  The town was destroyed by the Lombards in the 6th century, but was rebuilt, with spas and all, in the 12th century. Very little of that remains today!  Even though most of the town is lovely, it is now more modern,  but still with a spa-and-health-conscious feel to it.

The Teatro Congressi Pietro d’Abano is the town’s convention and event center.  It is located on Largo Marconi.

The Fontana Lunga, or the Long Fountain, is famous for its bronze figures, which appear to be sleeping in the water.

Along Via Montirone, you will find the Monument to Pietro d’Abano, who was born in Abano Terme in 1250.  After living and studying in Constantinople and Paris, he eventually settled down in Padua, where he practiced medicine and philosophy.  Because of his belief in astrology, he was accused of practicing magic, and of devil-worshipping, and was brought before the Inquisition twice.  He died while awaiting his second trial.

The Fontana dell’Arlecchino was designed by Amleto Sartori, and features reclining bronze nudes.

The Grand Hotel Orologio now sits abandoned and empty, but all you have to do is look at the facade of the place, to begin to imagine what it must have been like in its heyday!  Before being turned into a hotel, the building housed Abano’s famous casino.

Nearby, you will find the Monumento ai Caduti sul Lavoro, a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives at work.  The monument is the work of the architect Monica Bordin, and dates from 1991.

 

Next up: We continue to explore more of Abano Terme!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from other Italian destinations, including Venice, Burano, Padua, Gaeta, Sperlonga, and Matera, just to name a few.  Grazie!