Euganean Hills

For those who stay at our agritourism in the Euganean Hills we suggest some places to visit of great historical, cultural and scenic interest. The Euganean Hills, for their proximity to Padua, are also called Padua Hills.

The Euganean Hills or Padua Hills are unique from the point of view of the scenery as well as morphological and historical perspective. The Padua Hills are of volcanic origin and, owing to their physical characteristics and the mild climate, have always been inhabited, in fact there are traces of settlements since the Middle Paleolithic period. But it is from the late Middle Ages that several centres saw a significant population increase.

The presence of various microclimates in a limited area has also encouraged the simultaneous presence of very different arboreal and floral species, such as the Spanish broom, arbutus, terebinth, hawthorn, elder and hop-hornbeam. Another precious resource in the territory is composed of numerous deposits of trachyte, a rough magmatic rock which is found almost exclusively on the Padua Hills, and which is employed for outdoor paving (for example St Mark’s Square in Venice).

From our Agritourism in the Euganean Hills, it is easy to reach destinations in the Padua Hills full of centuries-old atmosphere, visiting places of unchanged charm such as the Abbey of Praglia, the Castle of San Martino, Petrarch’s house in Arquà, the Castle of San Pelagio and many others!

Not more than 30 minutes’ drive away from our agritourism in the Euganean Hills

Castello di San Martino: just 5 minutes away from Frassanelle agritourism in the Padua Hills. The oldest part of the castle was built in 1000; today it is an archaeological museum with findings from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages.
Visiting hours: from 1st April to 30th September the castle is open on Saturday 3pm-7pm and Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. From 1st October it is open on Saturday 2pm-6pm and Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Tel. 049 9915425. www.museicollieuganei.it Via S. Martino, Cervarese S. Croce.

Praglia Benedictine Abbey: just 10 minutes from our agritourism in the Euganean Hills. It is the largest Benedictine abbey in Italy, founded in the 11th century. Of particular interest are the cloisters and the church dedicated to the Virgin. The abbey also has a herbalist shop which sells honey, creams and infusions made by the monks.
Visiting hours: guided tours and only for advance bookings. Sunday and public holidays: regular hours: 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; daylight saving: 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30. weekdays: regular hours: 14:30; 15:10; 15:50; 16:30; daylight saving: 15:30; 16:10; 16:50; 17:30. www.praglia.it Via Abbazia 7, Teolo.

Villa dei Vescovi: just 10 minutes from our agritourism in the Euganean Hills. Currently there are renovation works in progress, and the villa should be reopened by Spring 2010.
Inside you can see an important cycle of Raphaelesque frescoes painted during the first half of the 16th century by Lamberto Sustris.
Visiting hours: To see when the villa will reopen and the visiting times check the website www.fondoambiente.it . Via dei Vescovi, Torreglia

Ca’ Marcello: The castle was once the residence of Ezzelino III da Romano in the 13th century. In the 14th century it became the property of the Carraresi signory who commissioned the huge tower fireplaces to be built, the only examples in Italy. In 1405 with the defeat of the da Carrara family the castle passed to the noble Venetian family Marcello who extended it to its current form. Besides the 16th century decorations in the interiors, the six chapels along the Via Sacra that leads to the fortress are also of interest. Guided tours: from 1st April to 30th November. Regular hours: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00. Daylight saving: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. Closed on Mondays. Tel. +39.0429.72931. www.castellodimonselice.it Via del Santuario, Monselice.

Villa Beatrice d’Este: the edifice takes its name from Blessed Beatrice d’Este, who founded a religious house in the 12th century. It was then transformed into a villa during the 17th century by a Venetian merchant, while the arcade was added in the 19th century. Today it houses an interesting nature museum. Visiting hours: from 1st April to 30th September: Saturday 3pm-7pm, Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. From 1st October: Saturday 2pm-6pm, Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Tel. +39.049.9915425 www.euganeanhills.com

Cava Bomba Museum: The 19th century lime kiln is an interesting example of the lime producing method. The paleontological museum houses fossils found on the Euganean Hills.
Visiting hours: from 1st April to 30th September. Saturday 3pm-5pm, Sunday 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Tel.+39.049.9915425. www.museicollieuganei.it Via Bomba 46, Cinto Euganeo.

The gardens of Villa Barbarigo: In 1600 Antonio Barbarigo designed this majestic garden with fountains and a box maze inspired by the classical Roman models. The garden is decorated with 70 statues, of which 40 are ascribed to Marengo.
Visiting hours: from March to November, 10am-1pm and 2pm-sunset. Tel. +39.049.8055614. www.valsanzibiogiardino.it Via Diana 2, Valsanzibio, Galzignano Terme.

Petrarch’s house: in the welcoming and refined last residence of Petrarch you can still see the room in which the poet died in 1373, together with the rest of the house, later decorated with renaissance frescoes.
Visiting hours: from March to October: from 9am to midday and from 3pm to 4.30pm. From November to February: from 9am to midday and from 2pm to 5pm. Closed on Mondays, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Years Day, 1st May. Tel. +39.0429.718294. www.arquapetrarca.com Via Valleselle, Arquà Petrarca.

Villa Emo Capodilista: 10 minutes from our agritourism in the Euganean Hills. This imposing villa is the creation of the painter and architect Dario Varotari, pupil of Veronese. The interiors have been richly frescoed with mythological themes and scenes from the family’s history. Visits are possible only upon request by calling +39.049.637294. www.lamontecchia.it Via Montecchia 12, Selvazzano Dentro.

Catajo Castle: dates back to the 16th century, the castle is halfway between a fortress and a palace. A visit to the large park and the interiors of the piano nobile is a must.
Visiting hours: from March and from September to November: Sunday and Tuesday 2.30pm-6.30pm, from April to August, Sunday and Tuesday 3pm-7pm. www.castellodelcatajo.it Via Catajo, Battaglia Terme.

Castle of San Pelagio, Air Museum:
The museum houses models and real aircraft, from the primitive designs of Leonardo da Vinci to modern days. Outside there is a beautiful garden with two mazes.
Visiting hours: from February to November the whole week except for Mondays, 9am-12.30pm and 2pm-5.30pm (winter) /7pm (summer). Tel. +39.049.9125008. www.castellodisanpelagio.it Via San Pelagio 34, Due Carrare.