Levico Terme

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Levico Terme is a town in northern Italy, in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. It sits in the Valsugana valley at about 520 meters above sea level, roughly 22 km from Trento and 110 km from Padua. The area covers about 63 square kilometers and has around 7,700 residents (as of 2012). The Brenta River starts from Lake Levico, which lies beside the town.

The town is surrounded by mountains: to the north the Lagorai range with peaks like Monte Fronte and Monte Panarotta (2,002 m); to the south the plateaus of Vezzena, Lavarone, Luserna and Folgaria, including Cima Vezzena (1,908 m) and the Austro-Hungarian Forte Col De Le Bene. West of Levico are the Vigolana hills and the two lakes, Levico and Caldonazzo; to the east the valley opens toward Borgo Valsugana. The main town sits on the left bank of the Brenta; nearby hamlets on the right bank include Barco, Santa Giuliana and Quaere, while Vetriolo Terme lies higher up in the hills. The municipality is divided into six quarters: Chiesa, Furo, Grande, Cortina, Oltrebrenta and Selva. Above the town lies Forte Col De Le Bene (Forte San Biagio).

History in Levico Terme goes back to ancient times. The name Levico appears in documents from 1184. In 1027 the area came under the Bishopric of Trent, later linked to Feltre. The town was struck by plagues in 1575 and 1636. In the 18th century the local waters began to be famous for health benefits, and the first spa opened in 1860. The territory passed to the House of Habsburg in 1779. Levico was involved in the Austro-Italian conflict of 1866, and it gained city status in 1894, with a railway reaching the town in 1896. During World War I the town was part of Austria-Hungary; many civilians were interned after Italy joined the war. After the war, Levico became part of Italy and was rebuilt, with the spa complex expanded and reopened in 1965.

Today Levico Terme is a popular tourist town focused on health and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy thermal treatments, biking and hiking in the surrounding mountains. There are about 50 restaurants and 30 places to stay for guests.