The Thermal Springs

The Euganean Hills area is characterized by the presence of several sources of thermal-mineral water that reveal historical curiosities as well as scenic peculiarities. Below is a review of the most interesting places:

 

Lake della Costa, Arquà Petrarca

 

The Costa Lake is the largest and most well-known natural water basin in the Euganean Hills, fed not only by cold springs and rainwater, but also by thermal springs! This water springs out in visible pools on the surface at a temperature of about 45°C; here is a glimpse of it:

 

In the foreground, a vein of water that gushes from the ground and flows towards the lake, and in the distance, a researcher taking a sample.

 

In addition to its valuable natural value, the Costa Lake is the main site for the extraction of mud used for therapeutic purposes by thermal establishments, and has an important archaeological and historical richness as a certified prehistoric pile-dwelling site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Discover more details here.

 

Lispida Lake, Battaglia Terme and Monselice (PD)

 

Located within the property of Lispida Castle, the Lispida Lake is the second natural thermal basin in the Euganean Hills, fed by thermal water springs of geothermal origin. The lake is linked to the wonderful Legend of the Mermaid, which reminds us of how ancient the knowledge of the therapeutic properties of Euganean thermal mud is, confirmed even scientifically to this day.

 

Ancient thermal pool of Fontanafredda, Cinto Euganeo

 

This ancient hot water pool in Fontanafredda is a mysterious geological gem!

Known for over a millennium, this area has been saved and brought back to its ancient splendor with heart and passion by a private citizen, Roberto Donolato. Are you curious to know more? Watch the ArcheoReporter video below and read the article by journalist Angelo Cimarosti.

 

 

Baths of San Bartolomeo, Turri di Montegrotto Terme

 

One of the few spontaneous springs in the Euganean Hills area is located in Turri, in via Regazzoni Bassa, near Galzignano Terme. Known since 1455, it has been used as a thermal bath by both farmers and famous people.

Since 2019, the alarm over ongoing construction work is undermining the possibility that these Baths will remain preserved in the future; nevertheless, we are sure that nature, with its strength, will always find a way to resurface.

 

Val Calaona thermal baths, Este

 

A vast depression that has been reclaimed and turned into a fertile plain, the Val Calaona is known for a thermal water source used since the Middle Ages.

 

 

Over the years, thanks to the firm opposition of citizens, the Terme have remained open to use, but characterized by neglect and poor hygiene-sanitary quality. The story that characterizes them, told here by journalist Giada Zandonà, shows the potential that this resource possesses both in terms of tourism and historical and naturalistic value for the Euganean Hills area.

 

The springs of the Euganean Hills

 

In addition to thermal water, there are also springs of water, some of which are potable, scattered throughout the Euganean Hills area that are of deep importance to the people who live nearby. A mycologist, naturalist, and poet, Gastone Cusin, has ventured to explore about 250 of them, from which he wrote the book “Le Sorgenti dei Colli Euganei” (The Springs of the Euganean Hills). You can learn more about his story here and on the euganeamente.it website.