Colli Euganei is the Italian name for Euganean Hills, a group of hills of volcanic origin that is located on the southwestern area of Padua. It is a wide system including about a hundred hills, and it is now part of the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills. Around the perimeter of the park, there are some tourist destinations that are worth a visit, as well as the natural landscapes and the archeological remains that testify the life of ancient civilizations. Your tour will start visiting Monselice, a very picturesque city with lots of beautiful attractions.
Not so far from Monselice, there is Arquà Petrarca, where the famous Italian poet, writer, and philosopher Francesco Petrarca was born.
Westbound, stop at Este, a beautiful town with a famous fourteenth-century Castle (pic n°5) and a pleasant historic center where to have a relaxing walk. You can also visit the famous vineyards of Rovolon, which produce some excellent red wines and delicious Muscat wines.After reaching the north-eastern end of the hills, we suggest you pay a visit to the eleventh-century Praglia Abbey, a real jewel dating back to the Renaissance period, and an important center of the Benedictine spirituality.
In the small village of Luvigliano di Torreglia, you can admire a beautiful fifteenth-century villa, called Villa dei Vescovi. While driving the last stretch towards Padua, stop at Montegrotto Terme, famous throughout Europe for the great quality of its thermal spas and its wellness care. Thanks to several climates and soil-related reasons, the Euganean Hills are home to a high number of plants, trees, and flowers. Nevertheless, 80% of the area is dedicated to agriculture. Beekeeping is important, but the main products are wine and olive oil.
Do not forget Padua and the "capella degli Scrovegni, Vicenza and Palladian villas, Venice and it's laguna, one hour drive from our home