Padua is known as the ‘city of the doorless café’ (founded in 1831 by Antonio Pedrocchi, Caffè Pedrocchi was famously open without any doors for most of its history), its lawnless square (Prato della Valle, the largest in the EU, does not have a lawn; instead, it is paved and surrounded by a canal, which contributes to its distinctive appearance), and its saint without a surname (Antonio is simply called ‘Il Santo’ or ‘the Saintly One’). It is also home to an ancient university, which has been teaching students for over eight centuries, and notable historical figures such as Tito Livio and Ippolito Nievo. Situated in the heart of the Veneto region, Padua holds more central importance than Verona, which is closer to Lombardy, or Venice, which is protected by its lagoon. It is a significant hub for economic, cultural and artistic activities. Meanwhile, the surrounding province is nothing short of enchanting, containing volcanic areas that produce therapeutic waters, with the result that the Euganean Hills can boast the largest spa district in Europe. Both the northern and southern parts of the province offer a host of delightful landscapes, and a wealth of impressive yet hospitable historical residences.
Our itinerary begins in Cittadella, a prominent centre in Upper Padua and the only walled city in all of Europe to have a medieval, 1.5-kilometre-long Parapet Walkway that is fully accessible, thanks to a 20-year restoration project completed in 2013. Key sites to visit include the Casa del Capitano, the Torre di Malta (a tower which was once a prison, established by Ezzelino da Romano), the Cathedral with its art gallery, the Palazzo della Loggia and, for a gastronomic treat, the Trattoria alla Nave, a local favourite for over 40 years. In nearby Fontaniva lies Villa Gallarati Scotti, a historical residence built in the 16th century and a national monument since 1925, which contains a park designed in the early 19th century. This romantic park and the neo-Gothic chapel designed by Pietro Selvatico Estense, a student of Jappelli, are open for public visits.
Continuing from Cittadella towards Padua along the Valsugana Strada Statale 47 route, you will reach Villa Bolzonella a few kilometres further on. This Villa features a medieval tower from the 1200s, while the main building, its garden and the oratory date back to the 1500s. The English-style garden here is also attributed to Jappelli. The residence is available for private events and ceremonies, including religious rites, and can be visited with limited access to the garden, church and selected rooms inside the Villa.
San Giorgio in Bosco, the next destination on our journey, is renowned for its mineral springs, including the Acqua Vera source, due to its position along the line of these natural water resources. Although the main road is close to the Brenta River and is located in an area characterised by high industrial and commercial activity, this does not prevent the existence of a number of significant historical landmarks along the way, notably a remarkable villa that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your itinerary: namely, Villa Contarini Camerini in Piazzola sul Brenta. Named after Marco Contarini, a Procurator of San Marco, who expanded the property in the late 17th century to resemble a grand palace, transforming it into an impressive ‘theatrical venue’, its park hosts major events, and the Villa is open for tours throughout the year. Isola Mantegna, the birthplace of the renowned painter, is also very close by.
After passing through Limena, a large town now integrated into the suburbs of Padua, you will arrive in Padua. We recommend you book your overnight accommodation in advance: exploring this beautiful city will require at least two full days. For your stay, we suggest you consider two historical residences in the heart of the city. The first is Palazzo Mantua Benavides in Piazza Eremitani, which is practically next door to the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel, one of Padua’s must-see attractions. This palazzo was once home to Marco Mantua Benavides, a legal scholar and art collector who was a patron of artists like Bartolomeo Ammannati, who worked alongside Michelangelo in Florence and created the Giant Hercules stone statue in situ. Lodging is provided in 4 suites in the main building, and there are three newly renovated apartments in the adjoining former stables. The second option is Torre di Massimago, a 13th-century tower set in a centuries-old park near Prato della Valle, now converted into a tower-hotel with three accommodation units: an apartment, a bedroom and a suite. Once you have checked in, you will be ready to begin your exploration of Padua’s city centre with a tour that encompasses several ‘must-see’ highlights. At the very top of the list is the aforementioned Scrovegni Chapel at the northern edge of the old city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site along with seven other locations painted in the14th century. Proceed on to the Church of the Eremitani, which survived the devastating bombings of World War II, and the Ovetari Chapel displaying Mantegna’s stunning frescoes, fully restored using innovative research techniques. Next is Palazzo del Bo, the seat of the University and the place where the oldest anatomical theatre in the world still exists. Entering the Basilica of Saint Anthony you will not be able to help marvelling at its incredible architecture and the impressive scale of the building; it is also possible to visit the Chapel of Relics and Treasure here. Donatello’s equestrian statue of Erasmo da Narni, better known by his nickname of Gattamelata (meaning ‘honeyed cat’), stands proudly in front of the basilica, while the adjacent Botanical Garden of 1545 is another UNESCO World Heritage site.
From here, stroll the short distance to Prato della Valle, an impressive and expansive elliptical square with a central island surrounded by statues on both sides of the watercourse, accessible via two bridges. Then meander up to Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, two bustling social hubs with a plethora of bars serving excellent spritz cocktails made with Aperol, a liqueur brand founded in Padua by the Barbieri family and now part of the Campari Group. This is the perfect place to sample the seafood specialities from one of the clusters of ‘folparo’ kiosks, a local institution serving high-quality, freshly prepared seafood in a casual setting, particularly renowned for octopus dishes (in Venetian dialect, ‘folpo’ means octopus). Between aperitifs, be sure to include a walk around the Palazzo della Ragione, the old courthouse. Other notable establishments on the Padovan food scene include the previously mentioned Caffè Pedrocchi (founded in 1831), located near the Town Hall, the Enoteca La Moscheta wine bar on Corso Milano, and Pasticceria Biasetto, run by master pastry chef Luigi Biasetto, who won the prestigious international Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie competition in 1997 for the creation of his seven-veil Setteveli cake, for which he holds the trademark.
Leaving Padua, we now venture into the Euganean Hills or ‘Colli Euganei’, whose peaks are clearly visible from the city centre, distinguishing them from the neighbouring Monti Berici in the southern part of the Venetian plain. At the foot of this volcanic hill range in Selvazzano Dentro is Villa Emo Capodilista, also called ‘La Montecchia’. This venue is ideal for both private events and holiday stays, offering accommodation for a total of 12 people. The Villa overlooks a small hill surrounded by vineyards and is conveniently adjacent to the La Montecchia Golf Club, which hosts international tournaments and also has a restaurant. Built in the late 16th century, the Villa now forms part of a wine estate, Conte Emo Capodilista, where visitors can taste the wines produced on the estate.
Continuing along Provincial Road 38, which encircles the Colli, you will pass through Fossona and arrive at Villa Frassanelle just before the district of Montemerlo. This large 200-hectare estate features a neo-classical manor house with caves (visitable by appointment), a secular park and the Frassanelle Golf Club. There are also several farmhouses for accommodation and various event spaces, including a wine cellar, a wine press, a portico and courtyards. Our next stop is Abano Terme, the site of the eminent Benedictine Abbey of Praglia, another not-to-be-missed hidden gem. Some sections of the abbey complex are open to the public (three of the four cloisters, the abbey church, the Fogazzaro loggia, the monumental refectory and the chapter room). A selection of products made by the monks are available for purchase, including wines, infusions, herbal teas and cosmetics.
Abano Terme is the capital of Europe’s largest thermal district, with a hundred spas and 240 swimming pools spread across the area. These thermal facilities are in Abano, Montegrotto, Battaglia and other small towns across the Euganean region. Close to Abano, at the junction of State Road 16 heading south, stands Villa Molin. Commissioned at the end of the 16th century by the Venetian Republic ambassador Nicolò Molin to architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, the Villa is positioned along the Battaglia Canal and contains splendidly frescoed rooms and a large historic park, making it a great location for private events and ceremonies.
From here, continue along Strada Battaglia, where you will be able to investigate nearby castles like the illustrious example at San Pelagio, which houses the Museum of Flight commemorating the 87th Squadron’s historic World War I mission to Vienna, and Catajo Castle, the Obizzi family’s historical residence. The next destination is Villa Barbarigo and the Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio, one of the largest and best-preserved historical gardens in the world, overlooking a villa that is primarily used for private events and accommodation. The Baroque garden, adorned with over 60 statues carved from Istrian stone and numerous smaller sculptures, includes noteworthy sights such as a labyrinth, a hermit’s grotto, a rabbit island, and a monument reflecting on the passage of time. Before reaching Monselice, we recommend you jump at the golden opportunity of visiting the most beautiful village in the Euganean Hills, Arquà Petrarca, where poet Petrarch chose to spend his final years. It is possible to take a tour round Petrarch’s house and see his tomb, a marble sarcophagus next to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. In Monselice, be sure to include Castello Cini, the Rocca with its Federician Mastio tower constructed by Ezzelino da Romano for Frederick II of Swabia, and the ‘Via delle Sette Chiese’ with the six chapels ascending to the Jubilee Shrine of the Seven Churches. Factor in time for lunch at the La Torre restaurant or enjoy a sweet treat at Pasticceria Lazzarin before moving on to Dominio di Bagnoli. Here, you can explore Villa Widmann Borletti, built in 1656 by Baldassarre Longhena for Ludovico Widmann on the site of a Benedictine monastery from the year 1000. Today, it is home to a prominent winery known for its Doc Bagnoli production. The villa also functions as a charming ‘agriturismo’ and private event venue, allowing visitors to soak up the beautiful Venetian countryside with the additional attraction of its proximity to the Adriatic beaches.
