Plaza Hotel Abano Terme
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A flat expanse for kilometres and kilometres and then suddenly, like mushrooms, low hills with a curious conical shape sprout up here and there. These are the Euganean Hills, a series of volcanic formations of ancient origin just over ten kilometres from the centre of Padua.
So close, they are able to make you forget the city and its frenzy: immersed in greenery, the Euganean Hills are a fresh oasis of peace and harmony. It is no coincidence that over the centuries they have been chosen as their home or holiday resort by poets, monks and sovereigns; it was here that Foscolo set his novel ‘The Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis’, the forerunner text of Italian Romanticism.
The beauty of the landscape is such that it instils an immediate sensation of serenity (it even managed to soothe the young Ortis’s agonised heart…), but if that is not enough for you, you can immerse yourself in the warm waters of the thermal pools of Abano and Montegrotto, stroll through the romantic gardens of 16th-century villas or delight your palate with local wines, cured meats and other delicacies.
Also hidden in the green Euganean Hills are enchanting historical villages, with their perfectly preserved walls, castles and other wonders to discover.
A day trip from Padua, Venice or Verona is enough to regenerate and feel out of time, but you’d better give yourself more time because once you get here you will realise that there are many things to see. We suggest ten of them, the most beautiful!
Between scenic beauty and historical and cultural attractions, the things to see in the Euganean Hills are enough to fill a holiday lasting several days.
How do you choose where to go? Where can you make the best excursions on foot? What are the most suitable destinations for a wellness weekend at the spa? Which walled cities must absolutely be seen? And where are the most beautiful villas?
This list of 10 must-see attractions in the Euganean Hills is an excellent starting point for planning your regenerating holiday in Veneto.
For many Veneto people the Euganean Hills are synonymous with spas: follow their example and treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon or evening in one of the hotels with a swimming pool in the Euganean Spas. It is a rejuvenating experience and the cost is within everyone’s reach.
The curative properties of the thermal springs in the area were already known in ancient times; today there are more than 100 thermal establishments in the Euganean Hills area and more than 200 pools filled with natural hot water. The wide choice of thermal pools ensures that there is something to suit all budgets.
The two most important spa towns in the Euganean Hills are Abano Terme1 and Montegrotto Terme2: all the hotels offering curative therapies and the most important spa hotels are concentrated here.
Read moreOne of the most visited villages in the Euganean Hills is Arquà Petrarca, a town whose name recalls its most illustrious inhabitant.
Nestled in a gentle landscape, this village of rare beauty invites ecstatic contemplation of nature… and perhaps the writing of poetry. It must be for these reasons that Francesco Petrarch, one of the greatest poets of Italian literature, found himself so well at Arquà.
His house is the most visited monument, although unfortunately little remains of the original structure. You can, however, see the study where the poet died and three relics of dubious historical veracity but much appreciated by tourists: the desk, the chair and the mummy of the cat that kept him company.
The town also features the poet’s tomb and the fountain from which he drew water.
Monselice is a charming medieval town southeast of the Euganean Hills squeezed between two hills, Monte Ricco and the Rocca. Overlooked by the Mastio Federiciano, an imposing tower with a defensive function built by Frederick II of Swabia, the Rocca di Monselice is the town’s symbolic image.
The path to the top of the mountain starts from a flight of steps beside an elegant 16th-century villa (Villa Duodo), but the route to the villa is an attraction in itself. It is in fact the path along which seven votive churches, known as the Seven Churches Jubilee Sanctuary, are arranged.
These are only the most famous attractions, but Monselice is a city rich in history and deserves an in-depth visit.
Also south of the Euganean Hills, but heading west, is Este, the liveliest town in the Paduan lowlands.
Its origins are ancient, dating back almost three thousand years: such a long history has bequeathed us important archaeological finds that are fundamental for reconstructing the identity of the ancient Veneto people. However, the image of Este is that of a typical walled city: the fortifications surrounding the historic centre were built in the 14th century by the Carraresi, the lords of Padua.
Today Este is an elegant and wealthy city, a mundane salon perfect for an urban stroll, a bit of shopping and a social aperitif.
The most beautiful monuments in Este are the Castle, the Clock Tower (also known as Porta Vecchia), the Cathedral of Santa Tecla and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie. If you want to learn more about Este’s long history, you can visit the Atestino National Museum housed inside the splendid Villa Mocenigo.
Another unmissable walled city in the Euganean Hills is Montagnana, a medieval town that administratively belongs to the province of Padua, but is at the crossroads of no less than four provinces: Padua, Vicenza, Rovigo and Verona.
It was one of the first towns to be included in the circuit of the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages), thanks above all to the impressive city walls that embrace the entire historic centre (a good 2 km long!).
In a small area, Montagnana concentrates a large number of historical buildings, but for many visiting tourists the top attraction is the area’s typical sweet raw ham (Prosciutto Veneto Berico-Euganeo DOP). Another speciality to try, this time 100% sweet, is the Pandolce di Ezzelino, a delicacy to which an ancient legend is linked.
If you want to relive the medieval atmosphere of Montagnana, visit the town during the Palio dei 10 comuni (Palio of the 10 municipalities), a three-day historical re-enactment held between late August and early September.
One of the most beautiful Benedictine monasteries in Europe is located just 12 km from the busy centre of Padua: it is the ancient Praglia Abbey in the municipality of Teolo. Nestled in the Paduan countryside, at the foot of Mount Lonzina, it is a place pervaded by a deep spirituality, perfect for those who need to take a break from the frenzy of modern life.
It was founded between the 11th and 12th centuries and over the centuries alternated moments of splendour with others of forced closure; today it is once again an active monastic community with more than 40 monks.
It is possible to visit the monastery by taking part in a guided tour led by a monk. The tour includes three of the four cloisters, the church, the Fogazzaro loggia, the monumental refectory and the chapter house.
Don’t leave without taking a look at the monastery shop: typical products made within the monastery complex are on sale, including wines, infusions, ointments, natural cosmetics, honey and liqueurs.
Part military fortress, part Venetian villa: this is the palace of the Euganean Hills, the Catajo Castle in Battaglia Terme. According to some, the name comes from Catai, the legendary China visited by Marco Polo, which was the inspiration for the castle’s architecture; according to others, it comes from ‘Ca del Tajo’, an estate near the excavation of the Battaglia Canal that caused the division of many agricultural estates in the area.
It is a monumental building built in the 16th century by the Obizzi, a wealthy family of captains of fortune from Burgundy who came to Veneto in the retinue of Emperor Arrigo II in 1007.
Over the centuries, Catajo Castle was enlarged and enriched with precious works of art and became a holiday resort for sovereigns visiting from all over Europe. It was from here that the Austrian Emperor Franz Ferdinand left for Sarajevo, the city where he was assassinated (an event that started World War I).
Today the castle is privately owned and is often used for weddings, conferences and other events; it is possible to visit the Piano Nobile and the historical garden from spring to autumn.
The Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio (hamlet of Galzignano Terme) could be described as the most beautiful Veneto villa on the Riviera del Brenta… on the Euganean Hills!
It is an almost unique case of a splendid mansion built by a noble Venetian family in the hills of Padua. The family in question, the Barbarigo, was one of the most important Venetian families and boasted among its members a saint (Gregorio Barbarigo).
Between 1665 and 1696, the villa’s garden was created: its studied elegance makes one think of romantic walks and possible courtships, but in reality its significance is deeply religious. The Barbarigo family in fact decided to create the garden following a solemn vow made to defeat the plague in the first half of the 17th century.
It is a magnificent example of a Baroque garden, rich in allegories and symbols, where centuries-old trees up to 900 years old grow. It is a true work of art created by man modelling nature.
The garden can be visited independently or with guided tours.
Another splendid Veneto villa in the Euganean Hills is the 16th-century Villa Vescovi in Luvigliano (a hamlet in the municipality of Torreglia), an elegant Renaissance building that anticipates many of the characteristic features of the famous Palladian villas.
Its original function was as the seat of an intellectual circle: it was conceived as a place that could serve as a stimulus for elevated thoughts and profound reflections.
Even today it is a place of culture, the venue for numerous events, but it is known primarily as a place of idleness. The outdoor spaces, which can be used free of charge, are a popular park in the summer months when the heat of the city becomes unbearable.
You can do as the Paduans do and stretch out on the grass for some healthy relaxation or take a guided tour of the interior and admire a splendid cycle of frescoes by Flemish painter Lambert Sustris.
As an alternative (or better yet, in addition!) to the two villas already mentioned, you can visit the beautiful Villa Papafava Frassanelle in Rovolon, which has a huge park with caves.
Then there would also be Villa Draghi in Montegrotto, but it is only open during events. However, it is worth taking a look at the villa from the outside and then turning your gaze to the panorama: the position of the building allows you to enjoy a splendid view.
To make your holiday in the Euganean Hills unforgettable, treat yourself to a moment dedicated to tasting typical local products: a visit to the wine cellars of the Euganean Hills is the best way to get to know and appreciate the wines of the area.
There is a wide choice of wines to taste, both reds and whites, but a tasting should not be without the most characteristic wine of the Euganean Hills, the Fior d’Arancio DOCG.
To find the wineries offering visits and tastings you can follow the Euganean Hills Wine Route, a route that brings together not only wineries but also farms, agritourisms, restaurants and hotels committed to promoting the area.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
To preserve the environmental richness of the Euganean Hills territory, a regional park was established in 1989. The total surface area exceeds 18,000 hectares. The highest peak is Monte Venda, a hill 601 metres high, but most of the reliefs do not exceed 300 metres.
There are 15 municipalities within the territory of the Euganean Hills Regional Park, namely: Abano Terme, Arquà Petrarca, Baone, Battaglia Terme, Cervarese Santa Croce, Cinto Euganeo, Este, Galzignano Terme, Lozzo Atestino, Monselice, Montegrotto Terme, Rovolon, Teolo, Torreglia and Vo’.
The best way to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Euganean Hills Park is to explore it on foot or by bicycle, taking advantage of an extensive network of trails of various levels.
Trained hikers can try their hand at the Alta Via dei Colli Euganei, an evocative 41-kilometre loop trail that begins and ends in Teolo. Don’t be afraid if you think you can’t make it: there are 31 trails created by the park authority, plus other unmarked routes for a total of more than 200 itineraries. Among these are many that are suitable for everyone, including families with children.
If you prefer to do an entire tour of the hills by bike, the itinerary for you is the Euganean Hills Cycling Ring. It is a cycle-tour itinerary about 70 km long; it is not particularly difficult (the terrain is almost completely flat) and can therefore be covered in a day, taking your time. The route passes through several villages where it is possible to stock up on food and water.
Another sport that is very popular in the Euganean Hills is climbing: the vertical walls of Rocca Pendice are an excellent training ground for passionate climbers.
To see all the facilities and book accommodation in Euganean Hills use the form below, entering the dates of your stay.
The Euganean Hills Park is located in the province of Padua, a few kilometres south of the city. It is the first Regional Park in the Veneto Region.
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