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

The arrival in the town of Galzignano Terme is slow and quiet. You leave the busy road leading to Padua and immerse yourself in the verdant landscapes of the Euganean Hills. Bit by bit, you unwind the barely sketched roundness of the hills, observe vineyards, cultivated fields and the first hotels. After all, just as the name itself states, the thermal baths of Galzignano is one of the main reasons to come to this village ("Terme" actually means "thermal baths" in Italian).

We, however, will show you that this village is not only synonymous with thermal tourism. There is also golf, mountain biking, trekking among picturesque trails, and more.

Let us lead you in this guide to discover what to see in Galzignano Terme! You will look forward to booking your trip now!

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 and among the most appreciated and refined thermal baths in Italy.

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.

The Euganean town, one of the enchanting villages in Italy worth visiting, is a perfect starting point for countless hikes and outdoor activities. In fact, it is precisely from here that many paths and bicycle and pedestrian routes depart to discover the riches of the Euganean Hills.

We have already mentioned the paths that lead to Monte Venda to discover the Monastery of the Olivetani and the Sentiero Atestino that leads to Monte Orbesio.

Truth be told, the whole area is an intricate maze of trails of varying length and difficulty.

Another trail of intermediate level is called the Sentiero delle Valli of about 5 km that makes a loop around the territory of the Hills.

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.

This enchanting gem of the Euganean Hills is perfect for a memorable weekend or a marvelous holiday. Experience the vibrant traditional folk festivals that breathe life into the fascinating historic center.

These events, highly appreciated by locals, will enchant you throughout the year with their evocative atmosphere and varied kaleidoscope of proposals and initiatives to delve into local culture and gastronomic specialties.

Regional Day for the Venetian Hills: this extraordinary widespread event celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the natural, cultural, historical, and gastronomic treasures found in the picturesque destinations nestled among the Venetian hills.

Rosary Festival: the origins of this festival, held on the first Sunday of October, date back to the 1960s. It attracts travelers who appreciate folklore and local traditions, as well as families. Attendees can immerse themselves in a fairy-tale world filled with delightful rides, exciting jugglers, and clown shows that cheer up the village streets.

You can enjoy the teeming fervor of glittering stalls, charity peaches, food stands full of delicious delicacies, the wonderful Amusement park, and appreciate the Market Fair with the best creations of local crafts.

Goddess Saresa: it takes place every 2nd June and it promotes the delicious De.Co. Cherry, that is an exceptional fruit and vegetable product. During the event, guided tours will take you through local farms, allowing you to explore the history and stories associated with this delightful delicacy.

Feast of St. Lawrence: it takes place in pretty Valsanzibio to admire the astonishing spectacle of shooting stars. 

Spring Festival: you will find a full calendar of events to enjoy the beautiful season, including the enthralling devotional procession of the Virgin Mary, which parades through the magnificent gardens of Villa Barbarigo. It heads to the centuries-old parish church or the historical re-enactment admirably staged by the figurative members of the Pum Society.

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!