Grottoes

Whether artificial or natural, grottoes are always fascinating

Under the Villa which stands majestically on the park’s central hill some extraordinarily charming and picturesque artificial grottoes have been hollowed out. Count Alberto Papafava, after having designed and completed the work on the park decided in the 1880s to crown his work with the construction of the grottoes, a typical and essential element of a romantic park.Their natural aspect is due to the fact that they faithfully respect the geological structure of the natural grottoes situated in the park but which are difficult and hazardous to enter. From the nearby hill, made of stratified calcareous stone, large slabs (approx. 9cm thick) were taken from it and placed in the new larger grotto, maintaining the stratified aspect and following the geological structure of the model.

The natural grottoes, which were used as a model, have secret passageways, tunnels, little internal lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, but can only be visited by expert potholers. The artificial grottoes built by Count Alberto Papafava are just as stunning. The work was completed in 7 years and everything was designed and built in order to appear authentic, to amaze, divert and entertain visitors but keep them completely safe.
 

The grottoes can be visited only accompanied by a guide. Visits take place on Monday at 9.30am (summer time) 10:00am (winter time). The falconry company Alantica accompanies visitors. Antonella and Stefania with their birds of prey will give you some history of the Papafava dei Carraresi family, descendants of the Lords of Padua, some information on the flora and fauna found in the park and the ancient art of falconry. The visit is free for the guests of the Agriturism, for other visitors the cost is € 10,00 per person.