This Gorgeous Thermal Spa in Milan Is Italy's Newest Wellness Destination

Milan Welcomes Europe’s Largest Urban Thermal Spa: De Montel – Terme Milano

Milan, renowned for its world-class fashion, exceptional design, and an expansive and inventive culinary and wine scene, now boasts another compelling attraction. As of April 1st, the city is home to De Montel – Terme Milano, Italy’s and Europe’s largest urban thermal park. This extensive adults-only thermal spa complex, situated near the San Siro Stadium, is poised to become Milan’s premier wellness destination.

De Montel – Terme Milano: An Expansive Wellness Oasis

Spanning an area of over 172,000 square feet, with approximately 65,000 square feet indoors and 107,000 square feet outdoors—including verdant gardens and a courtyard—the facility features:

• 10 pools with varying temperatures from 71 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• 4 saunas
• A steam bath
• A hammam

Guests can also indulge in customized spa treatments, such as olive oil and natural mud massages, and Saturnia Bioplankton facials.

Unique Thermal Waters at the Heart of the Spa

What distinguishes this indoor-outdoor spa center is its exclusive reliance on Milan’s natural thermal waters. These waters are sourced directly on-site from a 1300-feet-deep aquifer—approximately three times the height of Milan’s iconic Duomo—and extracted via a pressurized artesian well. The remarkable purity of this low-mineral water has long been celebrated for its skin-rejuvenating and therapeutic qualities, a fact recognized by the Romans who integrated it into their ancient spa rituals as early as the second century AD.

A Boost for Milan Tourism

Martina Riva, Milan’s Councilor for Sports, Tourism, and Youth Policies, highlighted the park’s significance at a pre-opening press conference: “[De Montel] is a noteworthy addition to Milan’s attractions. While visitors typically spend two nights in the city, I am confident this park will extend stays to three nights. It is an exceptional new attraction.”

Culinary Offerings Onsite

Complementing the spa experience, De Montel offers four distinct food and beverage venues, catering to guests from breakfast through aperitivo and dinner.

Historical Significance and Architectural Marvel

De Montel is not merely a wellness retreat; it embodies historical, urban, and cultural significance. The complex occupies the former prestigious stables of Giuseppe De Montel, a Jewish banker, textile magnate, and horse racing aficionado. In the mid-1910s, De Montel commissioned the construction of these stables to house elite thoroughbred horses and regiments of the Royal Cavalry.

This stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture later changed ownership when De Montel was compelled to leave Italy following the 1938 racial laws. By the 1970s, the property had sadly fallen into neglect and disrepair. The concept of its revitalization emerged in 2007 with the discovery of the thermal spring on the grounds, although its realization took another decade. In 2017, the Milan administration included the De Montel stables in the inaugural “Reinventing Cities” initiative, an international competition focused on regenerating neglected landmarks. The renewal proposal was successful, and restoration work commenced in 2020, breathing new life into this once-forgotten Milanese treasure.

“An Architectural Miracle”

The thermal park represents the culmination of this ambitious undertaking. Milan’s Councilor for Urban Regeneration, Giancarlo Tancredi, describes it as “an architectural miracle,” adding, “An extraordinary achievement that enriches not only our city but the region and Europe as well.”

Meticulous Restoration and Sustainable Design

The transformation, coordinated by Italian architecture firms Studio Marzorati and J+S and supervised by the Soprintendenza Archeologica delle Belle Arti e Paesaggio (the government department for heritage preservation), was made possible through a 57 million euro investment from Azimut Libera Impresa, in partnership with Terme & SPA Italia, the group behind Tuscany’s renowned Terme di Saturnia.

The painstaking restoration process meticulously preserved the original venue’s features. Friezes, columns, and elaborate facades—some lost over time—were reconstructed using materials consistent with the early 20th-century construction, including a rare binding compound from Grenoble, also utilized in Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Vaulted ceilings, cloistered courtyards, and delicate ornamental details of the stables were refined and modernized to harmonize with contemporary interiors designed by luxury studio Thdp.

Sustainability was a central element of the redevelopment, incorporating solar panels, eco-friendly building materials, and a rainwater recycling system to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, 3,500 new trees were planted on the grounds to mitigate the park’s climate footprint, with plans to add 230 more annually for the next ten years.

A Blueprint for Urban Planning

De Montel extends beyond a wellness destination. Councilor Tancredi envisions it as “a blueprint for the urban planning of tomorrow.” Councilor Riva concurs, referring to it as “a preview of Milan’s future.”

Visitor Information

De Montel – Terme Milan has a daily capacity of 700 guests (entry is restricted to individuals who are not pregnant and children over 16 years old). Weekday prices start at 60 euros, rising to 89 euros on weekends (excluding spa treatments or packages). Discounted rates are available for seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.