"At the foot of Mount Murlone, in the municipal territory of Barbarano Mossano, lies the basin of "Bagno di Barbarano", the most important hydrothermal spring among all those found in the Berici territory. Just a stone's throw from Bagno, near which traces of Roman presence have been found and which was used in the past as a public bath, a spring gushes from the muddy bottom, supplying water that is more or less tepid, never exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in temperature. This spring is part of a complex of subthermal and hypothermal manifestations that extends, with similar occurrences, over a restricted area of the Berici foothills territory, approximately encompassed between Villaga and Mossano, with peaks that extend eastward and also affect Monticello di Barbarano, the hill of San Pancrazio, and the elevations of Albettone and Lovertino.
The site had been abandoned for some time until the Pro Colli Berici association decided to clean up this historic place and enhance it, especially since it is located near the cycle path between Noventa and Vicenza, including the stretch from Barbarano to Ponte. The idea came from Edoardo Gibellato, president of Pro Colli Berici, with an investment of resources and a commitment to re-emerge this place, making it usable again. The most demanding work was done in October, with the clearing of the area, overgrown with plants, weeds, and brambles. Numerous volunteers were involved for about ten days, and in the end, they managed to bring back the Bath in its beauty and complexity. Subsequently, the work was suspended during the cold season, to resume in recent days with the cleaning of the bottom, the restoration of the riverbed, and the banks.
"We have seen a large number of volunteers involved - says Federico Gibellato, secretary of Pro Colli Berici - but also boys and girls who have responded positively to this initiative. We also received contributions from local companies and private individuals who made their means and equipment available to clean up and improve this Berici Hills territory". The association's goal doesn’t end only with the cleaning of the land and the restoration of the site but also includes its enhancement: a place to stop after a walk or a bike ride; in short, make it more enjoyable by also planning the installation of a fence and benches. The place will finally be included among the stops of the historic Easter Monday walk, organized in Barbarano Mossano."
(GdV, martedì 27 febbraio)