Abano Terme stands at the foot of the Euganean hills, together with Montegrotto, Galzignano, Battaglia and Teolo, making up Italy's largest and oldest spa complex. Abano's origin dates back to the pre-historic era. Archaeological remains found in Montegrotto prove the existence of an inhabited settlement dating- 9th century BC; subsequently the area was called Aponus by the Romans. The Imperial period brought with it an array of magnificent villas. During the 12^th century the city was donated to Ingelfredo de'Conti, subsequently to Manfredo and finally to his daughter Cecilia, until it was dominated by the Republic of Padua. It was Padua who reopened the spa and set rules for its use; in 1554 three doctors were nominate to oversee the resorts. Late 18th century was another important period in Abano's history when a large number of grand villas were built and later transformed into hotels (Orologio, Morosino, Molino, and Todeschini etc).  Holidays here became high society fashion. The  two World Wars had great effect on Abano: tin 1943 hotels were taken over by German headquarters, the following year the international Red Cross was based here and finally hotels were used as allied barracks. Today Abano has rediscovered its splendour; each hotel offers natural mud therapy in a restful and relaxing atmosphere. Its geographical position gives easy access to fascinating itineraries, including cities of exquisite artistical beauty.

In the Municipality's territory one can admire some of the most beautiful Venetian villas of the region: the 16th century Villa Dondi dell'Orologio, currently housing the "Roberto Bassi Rathgeb" civic museum, the 16th century Villa Mocenigo-Mainardi noted for its famous guests Casanova and Goldoni. At Feriole stands the villa Vigodarzere-Gottardo, noted to have hostet the poet Ugo Foscolo, today housing a permanent exhibition of farmland and household objects. Tthe villa Monzino, in the hamlet of Monterosso, is more commonly known as the Bembiana as it was summer residence of Cardinal Bembo. Just outside Abano is the hamlet of Monteortone where the 15^th century Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of Health can be found. A short distance from the Augustine monastery. On the Saint Daniel hill stands the Benedictine monastery, erected in the II^th century and only recently has the return of religious communities. For the 2000 jubilee a pathway will link these three main monasteries: Praglia Abbey, Saint Daniel Monastery and the Monteortone Sanctuary.