What to see in Galzignano Terme, beautiful gem hidden by the hills

At first glance, it might seem that Galzignano Terme is simply a quiet place, completely tied to the cycle of nature that surrounds and embraces it. In reality, there is much more to do than it seems.

The historic center of Galzignano Terme is located a short distance from Padua, nestled in the quiet of the Euganean Hills.

The presence of hot springs has made Galzignano one of the main destinations in Veneto for hot spring lovers.

To crown a vacation of complete relaxation, however, there are numerous attractions. We are talking about countless religious buildings, nature trails and, above all, a garden that has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Here is what to see in Galzignano Terme.

The Church of Galzignano Terme is one of the most prominent buildings in the historic center, built in neo-Romanesque style.

It is located in the heart of the town and is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. Of particular interest is the pipe organ, the earliest records of which date back to the late 18th century. The central body, by Giovanni Battista Zordan, an organ builder from Vicenza, dates from the mid-19th century.

In the area of the municipality of Galzignano Terme, there is also the Monastery of Santa Maria Annunziata, on Mount Orbesio, dating back to the 13th century and commissioned by the Benedictine monks of Praglia. Today the monastery is in ruins, but you can still see the layout of the building, with the enclosure walls protecting the cloistered monks and the water cistern. Today it can be reached thanks to the Atestino Trail.

One of the most fascinating places, however, is definitely the Monastery of the Olivetani, on Mount Venda. The hermitage dates back to the second half of the 1100s and is a picturesque place where one's gaze can sweep over the hills and the plain.

You cannot get to the ruins of the Olivetani by car, but you can only walk the Monte Venda Trail, one of the most beautiful paths in Galzignano Terme.

The thermal facilities in the Hills area are well known internationally.

When we talk about Galzignano Spa, however, we do not only include hotel facilities. We are also talking about municipal swimming pools, for example, which manage to supply themselves with waters from the Pre-Alps area, thus enriched with minerals in their long journey, at an average temperature of 87°C/188°F.

Due to their characteristics, the waters contribute to the maturation and preservation of excellent mud with excellent salty-bromine-iodine properties.

Testifying to the great impact of these waters on the place, not far from the historical center of Galzignano Terme, are the Bagni di San Bartolomeo. This site, now abandoned, was frequented since the 15th century. You can still see the vein of water gushing from the ground, especially in winter, when the area is surrounded by water vapor.

Golf enthusiasts will certainly find what to do in Galzignano Terme. In the setting of the Euganean Hills, among bodies of water and the greenery of nature, there are a 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole one opened in 2003.

The golf course was designed by Marco Croze, an architect so passionate about golf that he has signed more than 50 projects.

Now, however, it is time to unveil the crown jewel of the town of Galzignano Terme: a 17th-century villa surrounded by a garden so charming that it has been called one of the most beautiful in Italy.

What to see in Galzignano Terme? One of the attractions of the place is certainly the splendid Villa Barbarigo.

The full name of the 17th-century building is Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani and it covers an area of 15 hectares. Yet, it is not only the extent of the gardens that strikes the observer.

Indeed, it is one of the finest and most beautiful examples of a symbolic seventeenth-century garden and contains countless ancient fountains, which are still functioning, statues, water mirrors and a splendid boxwood labyrinth. The latter, which invites a walk of more than 1,500 meters, is one of the largest labyrinths of its time still in existence.

Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio is undoubtedly one of the most important stops on a visit to Galzignano Terme.

You shouldn't leave Galzignano without taking a look at its traditional cuisine.

Its uniqueness lies in the goodness of the local products. The cuisine is simple but tasty and genuine, and there is no shortage of specialties such as bigoli with wild boar ragout, gran bollito alla padovana prepared with typical court animals (like chickens and ducks) and risottos with field herbs. Gnocchi (also celebrated during the Tramonte festival), soups and homemade pasta are very good.

Getting to Galzignano Terme is very easy. The nearest highway exit, Terme Euganee, is just a few kilometers away, as is the nearest train station, Battaglia Terme.

All that's left to do is get going!