The wonderful water of Abano Terme and the magic Praglia

Abano Terme is one of the most famous resorts in Europe for its thermal waters and mud and a few kilometers away from Venice. The main feature of the area of Abano is in fact the presence of mineral springs famous since ancient times. The phenomenon, studied and then clarified by the University of Padua, is generated in the Small Dolomites: the cold water flows into an underground even 4000 meters deep, through shoals of rocks and is thus enriched by thermal properties.

The city is full of hotels, all equipped with swimming pools and wellness centers, spa treatments of any kind and wellness areas to regenerate your body that will make you wish only to return again. The treatment of sludge, combined with the techniques of massage therapy and toning the body, are in fact the best solution for those seeking the physical and psychological recovery along with a wide range of treatments and programs remise en forme.

The spa town, easily accessible by train (from the station of Saint Lucia Venice choose the regional train that can reach Abano within half an hour), develops along an avenue on which overlook gardens and elegant shops. One in Abano, you can stroll in the gardens of the Grand Hotel Kursaal and see the clock, one of the emblems of the history of Abano, or the Hotel Trieste & Victoria, another building of historical seat of the Italian High Command during the First World War and where he used to stay general Armando Diaz.

From here you can travel and visit two places are very strikin, both just a few miles away from Abano: Praglia Abbey and the Castle of St. Pelagius .

The complex of the Abbey of Praglia with its four cloisters is a true monument of art, as well as a house of God, which follows the rule of St. Benedict. As you enter you are greeted by a monaco that will guide you through courtyards, loggias, the church and the refectory, telling the long history of the monastery. The schedule of visits is as follows:

Sunday and holidays: solar time 2,30 , 3, 3,30 , 4, 4,30 pm . Winter time 3,30 , 4, 4,30 , 5, 5,30 .

Weekdays: 2,30 pm solar time ; 3.10 ; 3.50 ; 4.30pm . Winter time: 3.30 ; 4.10 ; 4.50 ; 5.30 . Closed on Mondays.

Among the special features in the cloister Paradise called, there is a courtyard which, thanks to the inclination of the planes, causes the convoys directly rainwater in a cistern to feed the central well. From the loggia Fogazzaro instead opens a lookout across the countryside and the surrounding hills. Do not leave without having made a jump to the small book shop of the monks of Praglia which, based on ancient recipes still prepared creams and natural beauty products, using herbs and beehive products, but also herbal teas and infusions, good honey , candies and jams. The store is open from 9 to 12 and from 4.15 to 6.30pm (winter, summer time 14.45/19.30. Closed on Mondays). For information abbazia@praglia.it .

The Castle of St. Pelagio, in the Due Carrare, is famous because it is linked to the name of Gabriele D’ Annunzio, who departed from here in 1918 for the flight to Vienna. Inside, there is the “Museum of the Air” , which traces the history of flight with rooms devoted to the constructions of Leonardo, the mythical Lindbergh, in Ferrarin, up to Gagarin and Armstrong . You can also admire the rooms inhabited by the poet D’Annunzio , who became famous for that flight on the enemy’s capital Austro-Hungarian Empire in the role of higher dell’87esima squadron “La Serenissima “. After visiting the museum , stroll through the historic garden , among thousands of roses and a maze of over one thousand square meters which recounts the flight of Icarus. For information: email info@museodellaria.it.

Museum and Park are open :

– From March to November on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 to 1pm and from 2.30 to 6.30pm, Sunday and holidays from 10 am to 7pm.

– From December to February Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The castle also has a renowned restaurant where you can stop and taste typical dishes of Venetian cuisine, or try the thrill of a typical medieval dinner ! For information and reservations 049.9125008 / 049.9126167 , info@castellodisanpelagio.it .