Matino

Travel to Abano Terme- Italy and enjoy.

Abano Terme is a hot spot for Italian holiday makers, but almost unheard of here in Ireland or the UK.
What’s the Alternative went to visit this spa resort to find out why the Italians rave about it.

Situated in the Veneto region and at the base of Euganean Hills, Abano is a 35 minute drive from Venice and Marco Polo airport. Once known as Abano Bagni, the spa town is considered one of the most famous and largest spa resorts in Europe. Its popularity is because of its accessibility to the extraordinary therapeutic properties of the spa waters from the Euganean hills. These deep underground waters have been used to restore health for more than three thousand years.

The Spa Water:
The water comes from the Lower Dolomites and the Lessini mountains. It flows through the limestone in the subsoil reaching a depth of some 3000metres. Running through 80km of subsoil under high pressure for 25/30 years the water becomes enriched in mineral salts. Finally reaching the Euganean spa basin it rises to the surface at a temperature of 87 degrees Celsius.
It is this incredible process that enriches the water with so many minerals, geothermal energy that makes it unique in the world.

Spa Treatments:
In Abano Terme there are at least 80 hotels within a radius of approximately one square mile with each hotel offering spa therapies such as:

Balneotherapy: this involves being immersed in a hot, ozone rich spa water- totally chemical free. The warmth of the water and the minerals stimulate blood circulation and is said to be particularly beneficial for those suffering from painful muscular conditions, chronic skin conditions, and post-traumatic rehabilitation following a trauma.

Hydrokinesitherapy: Again, like most of the treatments in Abano hydrokinesitherapy involves the use of the water, this time in the swimming pool. Note, the swimming pools are filled with the spa water, but they do contain a very small amount of chlorine as required by EU legislation. This fun relaxing therapy helps to regain muscular strength for those suffering from arthritis, physical injury and so on.

Mud Therapy: Yes – this is a mud therapy with huge therapeutic properties. It’s no ordinary mud, but mud taken from a lake high up in the Euganean hills. It is then added to the spa water and to the algae. To know more about the details about how the mud is processed and its properties, click here.
There are four processes to the therapy: firstly the application of the mud to the body, then a spa water bath, a sweating process and a toning massage.

According to the manager of the Salus Terme Hotel in Abano, twelve mud treatments are equivalent to one cortisone injection- I know which I would prefer!

Inhalation therapy:
Nebulized spa water – with no added chemicals, aids all kinds of respiratory problems. Those with chronic bronchial conditions come each day to breathe the steamed spa water. If you wish, essential oils such as eucalyptus can be added to the water to further the therapeutic benefit.
We tried this and found it most effective in treating a chronic cough.

Beauty Treatments:
Each hotel has a beauty treatment area, where patrons of the hotel can enjoy a wide range of therapies to include, reflexology, massage, pedicure, facials, manicure, and so on.

Packages are available or individual therapies are purchased as you go along.
Payment is at the end of your stay, so just keep a check on the therapies you are having as the cost can mount up.

Swimming Pools:
Each hotel in Abano has at least two swimming pools. One indoor and one out door, usually equipped with Jacuzzi jets for gentle water massage. Surrounding the inner pool are saunas, showers, changing rooms etc. Outside are sun chairs for those who wish to soak up the Italian sunshine.
Swim caps must be worn when using the pools and you should always use the pool shower prior to entering the pool.

What to do and see:
The first stop has to be the tourist board which is in the centre of Abano. Ask for the English guide book of Abano.
To contact them: Abano Terme, Via P. d’Abano, 18. Tel: +39 0498669055 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +39 0498669055 end_of_the_skype_highlighting – Fax:+39 049 8669053. E-mail: infoabano@turistmotermeeuganee.it

Open: Mon-Sat 8.30-13.00/14.30-19.00 Sun:10.00-13.00/15.00-18.00. Note that they close for lunch and Sunday opening is only in the high season.

Abano is a small city filled with modern hotels, however don’t be put off by this, the planning has been well thought out resulting in charming pedestrian areas filled with fabulous shops, bars and cafes.
In the pedestrian area near the tourist information office, in front of the Trieste and Victoria hotel are the Kursaal public gardens, which is the central point of Abano. The gardens are home to the statue of Pietro D’Abano son of the notary Costanzo. Strolling through the leafy gardens you can see the Harlequin fountain by Amleto Sartori an artist of international fame.

Within the Kursaal gardens is a smaller fountain from which you can drink the waters – please note that the water has been treated for drinking and many people drink from the spouts. So enjoy, but we advise not to let your mouth touch the spout.
To the side of the Kursaal gardens is the impressive though neglected Grand Hotel Orologio. Constructed in the 17^th Century by the Dondi dall’Orologio family and extended in the 19^th Century with the addition of the highly decorative façade designed by Giuseppe Jappelli. Why the hotel is neglected we couldn’t find out. If you know -let us know.

Opposite the Grand Hotel Orologio is the Hotel Trieste and Victoria. This building used to be the headquarters of the Italian Supreme Command in the First World War. Today it is an impressive five star hotel with a modern wing and beautiful gardens. For further information click on the link to see the hotel details.
The pedestrian area moves on towards the Piazza Republica via the Viale delle Terme. The Viale is lined with fabulous shops so remember to bring your wallet.

Continuing on the Viale delle Terme towards the Piazza Caduti there is a statue dedicated to the carabinarie – ( section of the police force). Moving on from there is the Piazza del Sole e della Pace and the cathedral Duomo di S.Lorenzo.

The Piazza del Sole has an interesting polychrome sundial and is one of the largest in Europe some 3000 sq metres. It was designed by Salvador Conde in conjunction with architect Giulio Genta and gnomonist (sundial specialist) Giovanni Paltrinieri. Completed in 1996 the sundial with its symbols of the signs of the zodiac is worth a visit. For the kids, the mini mazes will tease them.

The Cathedral, S Lorenzo was founded in the late 10^th Century, but the façade you see today was constructed in the 18^th Century and was designed by architect Domenico Cerato.

Chiesa del Sacro Cuore:
This is a modern church, although if you weren’t looking for a church you could easily miss it. Constructed in the late 1950’s and designed by Giulio Brunetta, it is the home to a magnificent crucifix by artist Mario Pinton, and the frontal by Carlo Mandelli. Surrounding the church is a small park which known as Parco Urbano Termale. The planting in the park is interesting as the majority of trees are Gingko trees, which have high medicinal properties –

One more site that is well worth visiting is the entrance to the original old spa spring, where up until the second half of the 1800s the spa water flowed continuously and at 80oC.

Two buildings are to be found either side of the entrance house; one is the Montirone Art Gallery with the collection of 15^th-20^th century drawings, paintings and engravings. A small collection but worth seeing. Entrance is free.

To the left is the municipal Modern Art Gallery exhibiting modern Italian art. Again small -but well worth the visit.
If you then go to the top of the steps of the garden, you will see the statue of Igea and beyond delightful gardens with some very interesting trees.

If you know what the three in the photo is know.
Shopping:
Yes- girls you can shop till you drop – the clothes shops are stunning with the top Italian designs. Prices similar to Ireland.
A word of warning if you are size 16 and above or are tall you might have difficulty finding your size. The Italians are generally small in stature. Don’t disappear this does not apply to shoe size, handbags, accessories and so on…..You will have plenty to spend you money on.

Markets:
The market in Abano is on Wednesdays and is located opposite the S. Lorenzo Cathedral and Piazza del Sole. The market is huge selling just about everything. From an explosion of food that makes you want to rush back to your kitchen to prepare something exotic, to literally thousands of pairs of shoe, clothers of every description, handbags and infinitely more. So be prepared for a long walk, but be aware of the mid-day sun, so drink plenty of water, wear a hat and take it steady.
The market is on a Saturday in Padua – take a bus, it’s only a 20-minute run.

Eating out:
The hotels in Abano offer full or half board deals, so the majority of the visitors eat in the hotels. The hotels do not offer food to non-residence – beware. Restaurants are scarce. The bars offer snack type food, Paninis etc, so when booking your hotel, think about at least half board packages.

The type of restaurants available are Chinese, pizza parlours, and the odd steak house.

Night Life:
Nightlife in Abano, like most Italian towns, starts with the pasiggata – the walk. Usually starting around 6.00 o’clock in the evening, breaking for dinner and then resuming in strength around 9.00pm. The Italians dress up for the passigata and stroll around the streets, admiring the shops, which are open until 9.00pm and taking an aperitif prior to their evening meal.

After dinner the Abano comes alive. With dancing, listening to pop bands who perform in the pedestrian area, to just sitting around the bars chatting and soaking up the night life. Abano has a cinema near the Cathedral or you can go to Montegrotto, 2 kilometres away to the Cineplex multi-screen.

Getting about:
There are many modes of transport in Abano.
Bicycles:
To tour the town the bicycle is very popular. You can ask the hotel for a bicycle. Every hotel has its own range of bikes especially for their guest. Word of warning – check your bicycle prior to setting off. If you are not happy with the safety of the bike – don’t get on it! Remember in Italy they drive on the right so familiarize yourself with the traffic system and don’t forget the Italian love to blow their horn. Don’t get upset. It’s just to signal that they are approaching.
The Mini Road Train.
The “Puffetto” is a mini road train – yes I know we have them around Ireland – no comment! But this little train is worth getting on as it goes to Montegrotto Terme, some 3km from Abano as well as touring around Abano. You can get off at Montegrotto, sight see and catch the next train that comes around. Check with hotel reception or the tourist board where the nearest stop is to your hotel, as the train has several stopping points around the town.
Bus:
The local bus service runs every half hour to Padua. Tourist information has the routes and timetable. Remember to buy your ticket at the local tobacconist or at tourist information. Don’t try to board the bus without it. Click the ticket into the ticket machine on the bus.
Taxi
Taxi services are in abundance in Abano, but they are not cheap. Check the price first.
Day Trips:
Around the shopping precinct are a number of tour operators offering day trips to Venice, Vineza and Padua. These are well priced and worth going on if you don’t know the language.
By Horse:
If you keen to go riding why not try the Equestrian centre in Abano. For further information click on the link http://www.relaxcavalli.it/English/eventi/eventi.asp
Surrounding areas:
Abano is surrounded by the Euganean Hills and Regional Park.
The Parks Authority has an excellent tour guidebook. WTA has ordered some copies for our readers. If you would like to know when they are in subscribe to our newsletter and we will tell you first when they arrive.
We went to see the Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani Gardens -

Not be Missed Click Here to see our report

Where we stayed:
WTA stayed at the Salus Terme Hotel. A four star hotel with some 80 rooms all with en-suite facilities and air conditioning, in the centre of the city, just two hundred yards from Tourist information and the main pedestrian area and shops. To know more click here:
Getting There:
Flights from Ireland to Marco Polo Airport at Venice are via Ryan Air. From the UK are either by Ryan Air or by Easy Jet. Click onto their websites to book your ticket.

From the airport either hire a car or get your hotel to provide a taxi. This will be extra in your package, but if you ask for taxi transfer, the hotel can make arrangements for other passengers to be picked up, thus reducing the cost.
We were charged €90.00 from Marco Polo to Abano without transfer. With transfer the cost was €60.00.

Trains run to Montegrotto, where you will need a taxi to Abano.

Where to stay:
We have listed some of the hotels in Abano Terme – look out for the ones we actually visited. Click Here
Children Friendly:
Abano Terme is not really designed for children. Although children do come, they have little facilities laid on for them other than the swimming pool.
Parents please note: If you bring children they will be expected to eat in the dinning rooms of the hotels and to eat the set menu – there are no children’s menus in Italy. They eat the same food as adults.
Medical Care:
Hate to mention the subject especially whilst on holiday, but should your health be suffering, you are in no better place. Each hotel has a doctor, so ask reception. If how ever you want to go the more natural route, herbalsita are to found all over Italy. They are well trained, usually from one of the colleges in Britain and will help you by giving you a herbal tea. Now don’t discard medicinal herbal teas they have great therapeutic value. The herbalista will make up a blend of loose medicinal teas and maybe give you some supplements.

In Abano the herbalista to go to in the Via Nazione Unite; not only are they herbalists but they are fully trained pharmacists. In this particular pharmacy/herbalista there is a kinesiologist – and he’s gorgeous! For those of you who are not familiar with Kinesiology it is used to find out food intolerances within the body.

So Enjoy Abano !