The Legend of the Siren of Lake Lispida in the Euganean Hills

Pubblicato il 6 febbraio 2026 alle ore 10:54

The Siren of Lake Lispida: A Lost Love amidst the Volcanic Waters of the Euganean Hills

The Euganean Hills, a land of thermal mud, gentle peaks, and ancient villages, hide within their suggestive landscapes not only natural and architectural wonders but also a deep layer of stories and legends. These narratives, often veiled in melancholy and mystery, are passed down from generation to generation, offering an emotional interpretation of the territory. Among these, one of the most touching and enveloping is the one concerning the Siren of Lake Lispida, an echo of a tragic love that still resonates among the silent waters of this volcanic mirror.

Lake Lispida: A Hidden Natural Jewel between History and Nature

Lake Lispida, located between Monselice and Battaglia Terme, is a place of rare beauty and profound mysticism. It is not a large lake, but its volcanic origin makes it unique within the Euganean Hills Regional Park. Lake Lispida is fed by hot sulfurous springs, and its bed provides precious thermal mud for the Euganean Spas, different in origin and maturation process compared to other locations. Surrounded by reed beds, lush vegetation, and the imposing walls of the ancient Lispida Abbey (today a splendid farm and wine estate with a millennial history), the lake evokes an atmosphere of peace and isolation. It is precisely in this context, where history merges with the wildest and most intimate nature, that the legend of the Lady came to life.

Historically, the Lispida complex boasts ancient origins, linked to a Benedictine monastery founded in the 12th century and later transformed into an important agricultural and thermal estate. It is known that over the centuries the property passed to various noble families, each of which left a mark. This past, rich in life and illustrious figures, creates fertile ground for stories like that of the Siren of Lispida.

The Legend of the Siren: A Forbidden Love and a Tragic Fate

In ancient times, in the warm Lake Lispida (not far from the villa of the same name), sirens and fauns would come out in groups to hunt fireflies and gaze at the hills turned green again and covered with fragrant flowers. On a St. John's night, Manfredo, Count of Monticelli, a local youth with a serious leg disease that caused severe pain, wandered near the lake. To defeat the illness, he had consulted many doctors and asked for help from the most powerful saints, but after years of suffering, the situation worsened day by day. That evening, he had decided to end it all by throwing himself into the waters of the lake. After asking God for forgiveness and saying goodbye to his loved ones, he stopped on the shores of the lake to give a final farewell to his land.

But suddenly from the waters, he spotted a beautiful Siren, a marvelous creature, half woman and half fish who, sensing the young man's sad thoughts, asked him, with a melodious voice, what had guided him to that place. Monticelli was dazzled by the enchanting beauty of the siren of Lake Lispida and told her his sad story. The siren urged him to be cheerful and confided to him that there, at the bottom of the lake, existed a very hot and wonderful mud with which his limbs would heal.

Without saying a word, the Siren turned and dove into the water, showing her scale-covered tail. The siren then returned to the surface, holding hot, dark mud from the lake bed in her hands. She covered the count's body while singing a song. Once cured, the young man declared his eternal love to the siren, and the two spent happy nights together. In the following nights, the Count returned several times to the spot where he had seen the siren, but she had disappeared. He searched for her desperately in vain, but the siren never showed herself again.

The Echo of a Lament: The Mystery that Persists

Old folks say that the ghost of Monticelli still wanders near the lake in search of his beloved, but only on St. John's night can he meet his savior. Whether legend or truth, the women in love from that place swear that on St. John's night, the melodious voice of the siren still comes from Lake Lispida, talking and dancing all night with the young Monticelli.

Anyone who approaches the lake on those silent and suggestive nights tells of hearing "a very faint lament, almost a whisper stifled by the wind, or of catching a glimpse of a silvery reflection on the water's surface" that disappears as soon as one gets too close. Some swear they perceive a deep melancholy in the air, an energy that speaks of love and loss. It is also said that the waters of the lake, so dark and deep, guard not only her soul but also the secret of a precious jewel that the Siren wore around her neck as a token of her love, a jewel that, on the clearest and calmest nights, would shimmer on the bottom, visible only to those with a sensitive soul and a romantic vein.

Experiencing the Mystery Today: An Invitation to Emotion

For guests of Casa Luna, a visit to Lake Lispida is a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an atmosphere full of history and romance. It is not just about admiring an enchanting landscape, but about connecting with the emotions of an ancient legend. What to do to best experience the legend:

Contemplative Walk: We recommend a romantic or contemplative walk along the paths that line the lake and surround the Lispida Abbey. Ideally, do this at sunset, when the colors of the sky are reflected on the water, or on a foggy morning, when the place takes on an even more mysterious and intimate aura.
Listen to the Silence: Dedicate a few moments to silence and listening to the sounds of nature. Let your imagination get lost in the story of the Siren, trying to perceive the "lament" of the wind or the "light" that pierces the veil of the legend.
Visit the Abbey (if possible): If the Lispida Abbey is open for visits (as a private estate, openings may vary), exploring its ancient walls can strengthen the link with the historical context of the legend.

An excursion to Lake Lispida is an experience that combines scenic beauty, historical richness, and the timeless charm of legends, leaving a deep emotion and an indelible memory in the hearts of visitors. Casa Luna, your cozy holiday home in Montegrotto Terme, is the perfect base for exploring these enchanted places. Come and discover a territory where every corner has a story to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): The Legend of the Lispida Mermaid

Where exactly is Lake Lispida located in relation to Casa Luna? Lake Lispida is located at the foot of the Euganean Hills, about a 10-minute drive from Casa Luna. It is an evocative place, famous for its thermal waters and the healing mud extracted right in this area.
What does the legend of the Mermaid tell? The legend tells of a beautiful mermaid who lived in the lake's waters and who, with her song and love, helped a wounded noble knight, forever linking the charm of the place to this romantic and mysterious story.
Is it possible to visit the lake and the places of the legend? Yes, the area around Lispida is perfect for walks or bike excursions starting from Montegrotto. Staying at Casa Luna, you can explore these legendary paths during the day and return to the comfort of your home in the evening.