In October 1989, a regional park was created across the entire territory of the Euganean Hills, covering an area of about 22,000 hectares and a perimeter of 65 km. The park is characterized by the volcanic Euganean hills of conical shape, with the highest point, Mount Venda (601 meters above sea level), transitioning into the plain to the southeast of Padua. A large number of archaeological finds in this area confirm the existence of human settlements dating back to the pre-Christian era, with historians proving the presence of the first inhabitants since the mid-5th century BC. This can be confirmed by visiting the National Museum of Este. An ancient road “Annia” (2nd century BC) passed through the city, leading up to one of the hills of Monselice.
During the tour of these picturesque places, you will be able to visit the monastery “Abbadia di Praglia” of the Benedictine order, first mentioned in 1117 as “Pratalia”, since it was surrounded by fields. This is an active monastery, where a monk will accompany you and tell you about the rich history of the abbey. Only within the walls of its library are more than 50,000 volumes of rare books stored. In the church, designed by Tullio Lombardo and dedicated to “The Virgin Mary” of the 15th-16th centuries, which is part of the monastery complex, there are works by famous artists of that era Domenico Campagnola and G.B. Zelotti.
The next route through the roads of the Euganean Hills will lead you to the medieval town of Arquà Petrarca, settled since the Roman era. It owes its name to the great Italian poet of the 14th century Francesco Petrarca, who spent the last years of his life here from 1360 until his death on July 19, 1374. In his deathbed will, the poet requested to be buried in this town next to the Church of Santa Maria (first mentioned in the 11th century). The poet’s tomb is made of trachyte and red Verona marble in an early Christian style. You can stroll through its streets and visit the poet’s house-museum. From the window of his study, there is a magnificent view of the hills. Perhaps it was here that the poet found inspiration for his famous collection of poems dedicated to his muse Laura, who lived in this town.
The next route passes through the town of Monselice or “Mons Silicis” (population 17,553), as it was called by the ancient Romans. It was built at the foot of Mount Rocca and had very important military and strategic significance in different eras. It is known for its castle “Ca’Marchello” of the 11th-12th centuries.
On the southern slopes of the Euganean Hills lies the ancient town of Este, which since 49 BC was considered a military colony of the Roman Empire and had a municipal city. Due to constant barbarian raids and the flooding of the river Adige (one of the branches of the river Adige), the city seems to disappear from the sight of historians and only begins to develop again in the 11th century with the arrival of the noble family D’Este. We recommend visiting the “Fortress”, built in 1339-1340 by Umbertino Carrara (from the noble Padua family) on the site of a fortified structure dating back to 1056. Be sure to visit the ancient Church of Saint Tecla, whose interior is a masterpiece of architecture with an amazing oval shape, and in the altar of the church is a painting by the famous artist Tiepolo. Don’t forget to stroll through the main square of the city – Piazza Maggiore with the princely palace – Palazzo del Principe, built by the Contarini family according to the design of Vincenzo Scamozzi. It is named after its owner Alvise Contarini, who was elected Doge of the Venetian Republic “Serenissima” in 1676.
The route may also pass through another city. This is Montagnana. A medieval fortified town, surrounded by a high fortress wall, built between 1340-62 by order of Francesco Carrara from Padua. It is suggested to enter the inner part of the city through one of the four gates on the drawbridge, stroll through the narrow streets of the town, and visit the cathedral, where you can admire a painting by the artist Paolo Veronese in the altar.
The duration of the tour is up to 5 hours with a guide and a car. The cost of entrance tickets to museums is paid separately.
