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Italy’s New Urban Oasis: De Montel – Terme Milano Opens in Milan

Milan, a city renowned for its fashion sense, design innovation, and culinary delights, has just welcomed a new attraction that promises to enhance its reputation further. As of April 1, the Italian metropolis has introduced De Montel – Terme Milano, an expansive adults-only thermal spa complex situated near the famous San Siro Stadium. This facility is now the largest urban thermal park in both Italy and Europe, positioning itself as a premier wellness hub for both locals and visitors alike.

Spanning over 172,000 square feet, De Montel includes around 65,000 square feet of indoor space and an impressive 107,000 square feet outdoors, which embrace breathtaking green areas and a serene courtyard. The park boasts 10 thermal pools, heated between 71 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, alongside four saunas, a steam bath, and a traditional hammam. In addition, guests can indulge in an array of specially designed spa treatments, such as olive oil massages and rejuvenating mud therapies, along with unique facial treatments that utilize Saturnia Bioplankton.

What makes this spa particularly exceptional is its utilization of Milan’s only natural thermal waters. This water originates from a deep aquifer nearly 1,300 feet below ground—approximately three times the height of the iconic Duomo. Drawn through a pressurized artesian well, its acclaimed purity and low mineral content are valued for rejuvenating and therapeutic benefits, a practice recognized since Roman times dating back to the second century AD.

Martina Riva, Milan’s Councilor for Sports, Tourism, and Youth Policies, emphasized the significance of this new addition during a pre-opening press briefing. “De Montel is an exciting new addition to what Milan has to offer,” she noted. “While the average tourist spends two nights in our city, I am confident this park will encourage longer stays—extending it to three nights. It represents an extraordinary new destination.” Visitors can also dine at four distinct eateries within the complex, serving a range of meals from breakfast to dinner and aperitivo.

The choice of location adds narrative depth to De Montel — the complex is built on the site of what were once elite stables belonging to Giuseppe De Montel, a Jewish banker and textile entrepreneur known for his passion for horse racing. Constructed in the early 20th century to care for high-bred thoroughbreds and serve the Royal Cavalry, the site reflects rich historical significance.

De Montel’s storied past took a tumultuous turn when Giuseppe De Montel was compelled to leave Italy due to the 1938 racial laws. The property fell into neglect by the late 1970s, leading to its restoration project, which gained momentum in 2007 after the thermal spring was discovered. In 2017, it became part of the “Reinventing Cities” initiative—an international effort to revitalize overlooked landmarks in urban environments. A winning proposal set the stage for the transformation, with restoration work commencing in 2020.

Today, De Montel – Terme Milano stands as a testament to architectural innovation and urban renewal. “It’s an architectural miracle,” remarked Milan’s Councilor for Urban Regeneration, Giancarlo Tancredi. “This exceptional achievement not only enhances our city but also enriches the entire region—and Europe.” The spa is designed to accommodate up to 700 visitors per day, with entrance fees ranging from 60 to 89 euros (approximately $65 to $96).

The meticulous renovation and design efforts were led by Italian architecture firms Studio Marzorati and J+S, under the supervision of the Soprintendenza Archeologica delle Belle Arti e Paesaggio, a governmental body focused on heritage preservation. The project was made feasible through a 57 million euro investment from Azimut Libera Impresa, along with collaboration from Terme & SPA Italia, the organization behind Tuscany’s renowned Terme di Saturnia.

Source
www.cntraveler.com