Turism
Bagnoli and the surrounding area
The Convention organisers believe it would be helpful, for those unfamiliar with the area, to highlight some interesting tourist attractions.
Below you will find a selection of places to visit.
Villa Widmann Borletti in Bagnoli di Sopra
Bagnoli, formerly known as ‘Balneoli’, was a small village in the Middle Ages, the life of which revolved around the church of San Michele.
Here, in the year 1000, Benedictine monks founded a monastery, a branch of the Venetian Monastery of San Michele della Trinità in Brondolo. With the arrival of the Benedictines, the whole area enjoyed a certain degree of prosperity thanks to agricultural production, particularly the efficiency of wine-growing.
Even after the Benedictines, development continued under the Canons Regular of Santo Spirito, who initiated a series of land reclamation projects in the surrounding area and entered into agreements with neighbouring landowners.
Count Ludovico Widmann purchased the lands and the monastery in 1656, when all these properties in the Bagnoli area were put up for auction to finance the War of Candia against the Turks.
Villa Widmann, the patrician residence he had built there, thus arose from the conversion of the original Convent of Santo Spirito. Initially, it was thought that the design of Villa Widmann was attributable to Baldassarre Longhena, but it was later considered more likely that it was conceived by Andrea Caminelli, Domenico Rossi or a master mason from the Contino family.
St Michael’s Church
There are records of the church of San Michele in Bagnoli di Sopra dating back as far as 954, the year in which the Lombard nobleman Almerico ceded it to the Benedictine monks: here the church was referred to as the ‘Capela Sanctae Mariae et Sancti Michaelis arcangeli’. The monks founded a small monastery next to the church.
The church’s architecture remained unchanged until the 15th century. In 1425, when the Bagnoli area came under the ownership of the Canons of the Holy Spirit, the chapel was enlarged and extensively altered: the windows on the east wall and the rose window on the façade provided light for the single nave; inside, it was divided by a low wall in the central area into two sections, traditionally used to separate the male and female worshippers attending the services.
The Euganean Hills
The Euganean Hills rise unexpectedly in the heart of the Veneto plain with their unmistakable conical shapes. Their almost perfect geometry is the remarkable result of volcanic activity dating back over 40 million years. The scenic charm is complemented by the uniqueness of the natural environments and a surprising wealth of cultural heritage.
Enchanting corners of unspoilt nature and picturesque historic villages follow one another along the many routes that can be explored within the Park.
What makes a stay in the Euganean Hills even more rewarding and stimulating are the local food and wine specialities, from the highly prized wine to the exclusive culinary delights that can be savoured in the numerous restaurants, trattorias, farm stays and wine cellars.
The Wines and Local Specialities of the Euganean Hills
The Euganean Hills offer authentic culinary specialities rooted in the traditions of country cooking, which you can enjoy in the area’s cosy restaurants and specialist shops.
The favourable climate and the unique topography of the vineyards have given rise to the heady aroma and unmistakable flavour of excellent wines. Wineries and farm stays will guide you through their tastings, allowing you to cherish the memory of these wonderful lands.
Oil from the Euganean Hills
Distinctive yet balanced, full of character yet with a smooth finish. This is the oil of the Euganean Hills!
The oil mills are where this gem of the Euganean Hills comes to life, transcending regional boundaries to be recognised and appreciated all over the world.
The skill and expertise employed in the Euganean oil mills make all the difference to the quality of the oil, preserving all its organoleptic properties and characteristic flavour, which at the same time comes in different varieties capable of satisfying every palate.
In the local oil mills, you can taste and choose the oil best suited to your tastes and occasions, as well as various food and wine products and cosmetics in which olive oil and olives take centre stage in different forms, flavours and aromas.
Wine bars in the Euganean Hills
The wine bar… your local wine cellar just a stone’s throw from home! The many wine bars in the Euganean Hills offer the chance to sample the prestigious wines of our region, right in the heart of our hilltop villages. Raise a glass with friends whilst savouring a fine red wine, accompanied by a typical Venetian snack.
Sports activities to enjoy in the Euganean Hills
Why not spend a few hours in the fresh air and keep fit with your family? The Euganean Hills offer the chance to explore picturesque trails, allowing you to experience the kind of emotions that only nature can provide.
The pleasure of fine dining in the Euganean Hills
Veneto is a region steeped in history and traditions, which are also reflected in its local cuisine. The Euganean Hills area offers culinary specialities handed down from generation to generation and an unmistakable variety of flavours, to be enjoyed alongside excellent wines. The hospitality of the restaurants, trattorias and agritourism establishments – which have always stood out for the excellent quality of their service – will ensure you have a pleasant stay.
Arquà Petrarca
Time seems to have stood still in Arquà Petrarca, the heart of the Euganean Hills, which, more than any other place, has preserved the ancient charm of medieval villages. Its name may derive from Arquata montium, meaning ‘cloister of the mountains’, but it owes its renown to the enduring fame of Francesco Petrarca, the poet who spent the final years of his life there.
The present-day settlement of Arquà, from the Latin Arquatum or Arquata, later vulgarised to Arquada, refers to the village that still largely retains its 14th-century appearance, and which was inhabited, in the final years of his life, by the poet Francesco Petrarca. The origins of Arquà are clearly medieval and can be traced back to the period when it was situated on a probable defensive line that must have existed as early as the barbarian era, linking the Rocca di Monselice—the centre of the local Lombard political and administrative jurisdiction—with Valle S. Giorgio, Cinto Euganeo and the flatlands towards Vicenza, to the west of the hills. Going further back in history, we discover that the territory of Arquà has ancient origins.
Este
Nestled at the foot of the Euganean Hills, Este was the main settlement of the ancient Veneti, who inhabited the area as early as the Iron Age. An important Roman colony founded by Augustus’s veterans, around the mid-11th century the town was chosen as the seat of a feudal dynasty. Of the imposing medieval fortress, built by the Este family and extended by the Carraresi, the city walls, stretching over a kilometre in circumference, remain today. The two remaining main towers enclose a splendid public garden.
Palazzo Mocenigo houses the Atestino National Museum, one of the most important in Italy for its pre-Roman collections.
The approximately four centuries of Venetian rule can be appreciated by admiring the remains of the perimeter wall that enclosed the town, the fine palaces in the central Piazza Maggiore (including the Town Hall) and the beautiful villas. These include Villa Kunkler, which hosted Byron and Shelley, Villa Cornaro-Benvenuti, Villa Contarini degli Scrigni (known as ‘Vigna Contarena’) and Villa Zenobio-Albrizzi.
Monselice
About ten kilometres from the bustling centre of Padua lies Monselice, a town of 17,000 inhabitants that remains relatively unknown to tourists from outside the region. Why not give it a go? The historic centre of Monselice is nestled between two hills. One is Colle della Rocca, the symbol of Monselice: a small hill dominated by a mighty medieval fortress and surrounded at its base by seven small churches marking the stages of a pilgrimage route. Viewed as a whole, the Rocca di Monselice is very striking and invites you to climb the path leading to the summit to admire the plain and the nearby hills from above. The other hill in Monselice is Monte Ricco: much loved by local hikers, cyclists and runners, it is also an interesting destination for day trippers who want to stretch their legs in the cool air or sit on a bench to enjoy the view.
Montagnana
Of the many walled towns in the Veneto region, Montagnana is the one that has best preserved its medieval walls: human intervention and the ravages of time have been few or barely noticeable, and the town stands today, majestic and strong, almost as it must have been in the 14th century.
The first fortification, built around the town centre to defend against barbarian invasions, dates back to Late Antiquity and is thought to have consisted of earthworks, ditches, bramble barriers and palisades.
After the 10th century, numerous written sources attest to the commitment of the villagers defended by the castrum of Montagnana to maintaining the walls. In addition to defensive structures such as walls, battlements and a drawbridge, there was also mention of the importance of military service for the safety of all.
In 1242, Ezzelino III da Romano set fire to the town and subsequently rebuilt a more imposing set of walls and had the Castle of San Zeno constructed.
Apart from the Castle of San Zeno, the walls we see today date from a later period and are one of the best-preserved examples of medieval walls in Europe.
Po Delta
The Po Delta is one of the places you simply must see if you’re in Veneto or Emilia-Romagna.
The mouth of this great river is a place that seems frozen in time, untouched by the passage of years.
Exploring the whole of the Po Delta takes several days, but even for a day trip you can put together some interesting itineraries on foot, by bike or by boat.
In today’s blog post, I’d like to share my favourite sights, starting from the north and working my way south. Then it’s up to you to decide how to combine them!
Montegrotto Terme
Montegrotto Terme is one of the most important spa resorts in Veneto and in Italy. As well as its 240 pools, wellness centres and relaxation facilities, this small town in the province of Padua boasts numerous sights, all waiting to be discovered in the surrounding area.
I know Montegrotto Terme well. Not long ago, I had the chance to explore the area even further thanks to a stay at the Hotel Terme Preistoriche, a hotel I highly recommend for your spa holiday in Veneto.
In fact, after enjoying the thermal baths in the hotel’s pools and relaxing in the brand-new Nerò Spa, it was time to set off to explore the local area – a unique way to combine the pleasure of walking with the benefits of a spa.
Montegrotto Butterfly House
Butterfly Arc, Italy’s first Butterfly House, was founded in 1988 thanks to the dreams and sacrifices of a young couple of naturalists, Enzo Moretto and Gabriella Tamino, and their vision of creating a space where visitors could immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by the flight of the most beautiful butterflies on our planet. Our business has grown, and so has our family: our children Lara and Marco are now part of it too, ready to protect and innovate this very special ‘firstborn’ every day, jealously preserving its soul.
Nestled against the Euganean Hills, in the heart of one of Italy’s largest spa areas, lies the first Butterfly House built in our country and one of the first in the world. A journey through the lush rainforests of the Amazon, Africa and Asia will captivate you with its colours, sounds and hundreds of butterflies flying freely. And then there are countless spectacular animals: from bearded dragons to large tropical insects, from colourful parakeets to the fascinating soft-shelled turtle.
On public holidays, interactive workshops led by an expert are organised, offering a close-up look at the wonders of the micro-world. These can be booked directly at the entrance for €1 per person, at the following times:
- Saturday at 16.00
- Sunday and festive at 12.00 – 15.30 – 16.30
Montegrotto Fairy Forest
After exploring the wonders of the tropical greenhouse, you’ll soon be ready to step into another world as you venture into the magical Fairy Forest. It is set within a 6,000-square-metre wooded park, where young and old alike are enchanted by the legends and fantastical characters that inhabit the realm of imagination and folk tradition. As you stroll through, you’ll encounter painted depictions of ogres, goblins and fairies, as well as strange rocks and suspicious-looking trees watching you, until you reach the ancient stone maze. You’ll also be greeted by friendly animals such as goats, rabbits and tortoises, and animated characters like the King of the Trolls and the Talking Oracle inside the Gypsy Caravan.
Il Bosco delle Fate ospita eventi per bambini come la Festa di Primavera e la Festa di Halloween, ricchi di animazione, giochi, storie animate e face painting!
Venetian Villas
Venetian villas are a very distinctive architectural style, with a history dating back to the Republic of Venice: there are around 5,000 of them, all built between the 15th and 19th centuries as mainland residences for Venetian lords and the Venetian aristocracy.
These villas are reminiscent of Allende’s stories, which depict vast South American estates with the local lord’s stately home, surrounded by the outbuildings and annexes necessary to manage the work on the large estates. This system has now completely disappeared, and the villas have become increasingly surrounded by other buildings.
The villa served both as a place of representation and as a management centre for agricultural work: often, wealthy merchants invested their fortunes in the countryside, shaping the landscape to suit agricultural and landowning activities.
Today, there are many Venetian Villas to admire, located throughout the Veneto region and some in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. You can choose to book a tour of the Venetian Villas, whether by boat, bike or more traditional means, to experience the beauty of these timeless places.
As you travel through the Venetian countryside and along the coast, you may come across magnificent villas nestled in the countryside: these are the famous Venetian Villas situated in the hinterland of what was once the Republic of Venice. Their history is intertwined with that of the region, art and architecture, and even today the Venetian Villas
Bishops’ Villa
Set amidst the unspoilt green countryside of the Veneto region, Villa dei Vescovi stands out on a hilltop in the Euganean Hills; it is a significant monument within the landscape of Venetian villas, introducing a taste for classical style and Roman Renaissance influences to this area, thus foreshadowing Palladio’s aesthetic. The conception of the building was entrusted in the early 16th century to the nobleman Alvise Cornaro by the Bishop of Padua, who saw this as the ideal setting for an intellectual circle centred on the value of the landscape and its role in inspiring reflection and lofty thought—elements indispensable for good governance. Designed on these ideals by the Veronese architect Falconetto with a strictly geometric concept, the Villa was the subject of subsequent alterations by Giulio Romano and stands as a refined experiment in humanist culture, in which architecture, art and landscape interact through continuous visual references within the spaces of the loggias and terraces to achieve human well-being.
Praglia Abbey
Nestled amongst the stunning landscapes of the Euganean Hills at the foot of Mount Lozina, the Benedictine Abbey of Praglia was one of the stops on our weekend dedicated to nature and spirituality. The two-day press tour, organised by GAL Patavino as part of the #daiColliall’Adige project, focused on the theme of “Great Abbeys and Hermit Monasteries”.
Abano Terme
Nestled at the foot of the Euganean Hills, Abano Terme is a peaceful spa town, situated 45 minutes from Padua. Its therapeutic waters, rich in mineral salts, attract countless visitors every year to its historic spa facilities.
The town and its surroundings are also home to charming ancient churches and historical sites dating back to Roman times. These are easily accessible via quiet streets, which also lead to characteristic squares and hillside parks. But the town offers much more than just spas and monuments. Discover what you can do in one or two days with our suggestions.
Like any self-respecting spa town, Abano Terme is a picturesque and peaceful place, even along the main promenade in the historic centre, Viale delle Terme. You can start from the roundabout in Piazza Repubblica in front of the Hotel Roma, heading north-east towards the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, one of the town’s historic monuments, with its 14th-century bell tower. This quiet street is lined with classic hotels, small shops and cafés, many of which have outdoor terraces overlooking the street. Near the cathedral, don’t miss a visit to Piazza del Sole e della Pace with its enormous sundial.
Rovigo
It is perhaps the least well-known provincial capital in the Veneto region. Some time ago, a survey was published that named Rovigo as the most boring city in Italy. What is there to do in Rovigo? Why visit it? What is there to see?
I firmly believe that every place has a soul and that every city, particularly in Italy, has a story to tell. And so, I seized the opportunity to visit Rovigo during one of the many events the city organises throughout the year. Here is my itinerary through the streets, squares, monuments and churches of Rovigo – what to see if you decide to spend a day here.
All the sights are within easy reach of Corso del Popolo, the city’s main shopping street, which you’ll find yourself walking down when you arrive in the centre of Rovigo.
From a fortified Estense village to the capital of Polesine, Rovigo is now a beautiful, peaceful town, with a pedestrianised historic centre enhanced by the restoration of numerous ancient buildings, a theatre with an interesting programme, a few restaurants and traditional taverns, churches housing valuable works of art, and a modern art gallery in Palazzo Roverella, where fascinating temporary exhibitions are also held.
San Pelagio Castle
San Pelagio Castle is situated in the municipality of Due Carrare, the ancestral home of the famous Carraresi family, lords of Padua from 1318 to 1405. Of the ancient medieval castle, only the distinctive crenellated tower remains intact, whilst the residential section was converted into a villa around 1775 by the Counts of Zaborra, who still own it today. Also known as Villa Zaborra, the castle was converted into a museum in 1980 and also offers spaces and facilities for events, thanks to the presence of a renowned restaurant and no fewer than six conference rooms.
The castle is also surrounded by a beautiful park comprising a main garden, a secret garden, an orchard, centuries-old hornbeams, a fishpond and an icehouse. The splendid English roses are the highlight of the gardens, alongside the fascinating Roman-era thermal bath, which was discovered during restoration work.
Air Museum
Inside the castle, the Air Museum has been established, housing a vast collection of artefacts from the history of human flight, ranging from Leonardo da Vinci’s designs to the conquest of space in recent decades. Thanks to the quality of its historical documents and the presence of authentic aircraft, this museum is a true rarity; it also houses Europe’s most important aeronautical collection, comprising around 300 models of aeroplanes, hot-air balloons and airships, categorised according to their historical period. The space section features the prototype of the fantastic spacecraft known as the Solar Sail, built by engineers at the University of Padua, alongside images from the Giotto space probe.
Catajo Castle
A monumental building steeped in history, charm and legend, built from the 16th century onwards by Pio Enea I degli Obizzi near Battaglia Terme (Padua); the Catajo is a truly unique residence which, over the years, has served as a princely villa, military quarters, a literary salon and an imperial palace.
Catajo Castle was built to celebrate the splendour of the Obizzi family; expanded by the family itself during the 17th and 18th centuries, it was later transformed into a ducal palace by the Habsburg-Este family of Modena and eventually became the imperial summer residence of the Habsburg Emperors of Austria. By the 16th century, it had already become home to one of the most important art collections in Europe.
With its frescoed halls, the Garden of Delights and 40 hectares of grounds, Catajo Castle is regarded as one of Europe’s most impressive historic residences and is not to be missed.
Treat yourself to a dream: the natural elegance of the Euganean Hills’ royal palace.
The Barcari Museum
Travelling along the SS16 road towards Padua or Monselice, you pass through the town of Battaglia Terme. Bordered to the west by the Euganean Hills and to the east by a network of waterways leading to the sea, the town stretches along the banks of the canal of the same name, built by the people of Padua in the 13th century. Everything in Battaglia has always been connected to and influenced by water. For centuries, it lay at the heart of a dense network of trade and commerce that made it an important river port; its canal was plied by large barges laden with masegni (trachyte) and grain bound for the ports of Venice and the lagoon. Water also provided the energy needed to power the mills, sawmills, hammers and beater wheels of the paper mill, which made Battaglia an important and dynamic centre of craftsmanship.
A testament to this centuries-old industrial heritage is the Civic Museum of River Navigation. Situated on the edge of the Ortazzo Riviera, it is unique in its kind, as it houses stories, artefacts and memories of everyday life through which visitors can rediscover the traditions, customs and activities of a recent past that must not be forgotten.
Valsanzibio Garden
‘The sun is not the brightest star in the sky unless it is alone’ – most of Venice’s noble families built their sumptuous residences on the Brenta Riviera, and so there are many stars that dim one another’s light. In Valsanzibio, there are only the Barbarigos, and for this reason their star has no rivals and is the brightest in the sky.
This garden has a history stretching back over 350 years. It was created between 1665 and 1696 by one of Venice’s wealthiest and most prominent families, the Barbarigo family, as a vow made to God to ward off the plague of 1630–31.
It is a place designed as an allegorical walk to convey a positive message to visitors: a life in which difficulties are faced head-on and where there is always a solution; a life in which it is good to pause and reflect from time to time; a life in which time is precious and should be lived intensely, with joy, whilst awaiting eternity. In this Garden there is a boxwood maze dating back some 400 years, probably the oldest of its kind in the world, and there are boxwood walls up to 5 metres high, unique in the world. There are trees aged between 300 and 900 years, centuries-old specimens from four continents (Asia, America, Africa and Europe).
Padua
“Beautiful Venice, and Padua, her sister,” goes the popular saying. The comparison with Venice should already give those who have never been to this city an idea of what to expect during their visit. Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel, the most important cycle of paintings in the world, would in itself be reason enough to visit Padua.
Still on the subject of art, the Civic Museums house a fine collection of works by painters, mainly from the Veneto region (Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Veronese), and the Baptistery of the Cathedral contains another extraordinarily well-preserved cycle of frescoes, by Giusto de’ Menabuoi. One cannot overlook the presence of the ‘Saint’, as the people of Padua call him: Saint Anthony, whose centuries-old presence in the city is reflected not only in the relics preserved in the Basilica but also in the many sweets that bear his name.
Venice
There must be a reason why Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world: could it be because its attractions are truly unique? Of course it is. Nowhere else will you find a city built entirely on water with a glorious history stretching back centuries. Venice’s highly distinctive urban layout and the immense wealth accumulated by the Most Serene Republic during the golden age of its history have produced a wealth of sights with an irresistible appeal. Among these, one immediately thinks of one of the most beautiful squares in the world, iconic bridges, prestigious museums and historic churches housing artistic treasures so beautiful they risk inducing Stendhal syndrome, and islands where the centuries-old craft traditions of glassmaking and lace-making are still passed down. Below, we present the top 10 attractions in Venice to see during a holiday of at least two days. If you have more time, you can add other museums and islands to this list, such as Torcello or the Lido. If, on the other hand, you are short on time and want a list of attractions suitable for a short visit, you can find recommendations tailored to your needs on the page What to see in Venice in 1 day.
Vicenza
There is no better way to introduce Vicenza than through the reasons given by UNESCO for including this Venetian city on the World Heritage List. “Vicenza is an exceptional achievement in view of the numerous architectural contributions of Andrea Palladio”…”Through its architecture, the city has exerted a strong influence on architecture and urban planning in most European countries and throughout the world”. Visiting Vicenza, therefore, essentially means following in the footsteps of Palladio’s life and works.
After all, it is inevitable: all the city’s most iconic monuments are the work of the Vicenza-born architect. The tour begins in Piazza dei Signori, with the Basilica Palladiana and the Palazzo del Capitaniato, continues with the exceptional Teatro Olimpico, and reveals the complexity of Palladio’s work as you walk along Corso Palladio.
Cycle paths in Veneto
Discover cycling routes using the map or the list of counties.
The Burchiello
Discover the famous Il Burchiello mini-cruise, which has been sailing amongst the Venetian Villas of the Brenta Riviera, from Padua to Venice and back, for over 60 years.
The Burchiello fleet consists of modern, comfortable boats, equipped with a panoramic deck, air conditioning, a bar and toilets. An enchanting sailing experience amongst villas, swing bridges and locks, which you can now also enjoy combined with a half-day of cycle touring with the new Bike & Boat packages!