Just south of Padua you can visit the Colli Euganei, a unique environment in the Po Valley, protected by a regional nature reserve. The thermal waters of the Colli began to be exploited in Roman times, particularly in Montegrotto (photo). Later, in medieval and Renaissance, castles rise here, fortified villages and luxurious residential villas, to be a great attraction for tourists who are fond of art and history. In  The Colli Euganei district,are spas and wellness centers, high-level: Abano Terme, symbol of the area; Este, a charming medieval village, dominated by its castle; Teolo with the famous Benedictine abbey of Praglia.