Villas, castles and abbeys of the Euganean Hills

Villa dei Vescovi – Renaissance Residence in the Euganean Hills

A few steps from Casa in Campagna, Villa dei Vescovi is one of the most elegant Renaissance residences in the Padua area, a perfect combination of Renaissance elegance and Roman classicism. Built between 1535 and 1542 by the bishop of Padua Francesco Pisani as a holiday home and meeting place for intellectuals and humanists, it was designed by the Veronese painter-architect Giovanni Maria Falconetto and directed by the Venetian scholar Alvise Cornaro.

Villa Emo-Capodilista – Art and nature in Tenuta La Montecchia

Located near Villa dei Vescovi, Villa Emo-Capodilista is surrounded by a lush park. It was built starting in 1568 at the behest of the noble Paduan Capodilista family, who entrusted the project to Dario Varotari, a disciple of Paolo Veronese. Varotari also oversaw the cycle of frescoes that decorate the villa. The estate, called "La Montecchia", also includes a medieval castle, a Renaissance villa and vast properties, partly used as a Golf Club.

Petrarca's House – Museum in Arquà between history and poetry

In the charming village of Arquà Petrarca, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is the house where Francesco Petrarca spent the last years of his life (1369-1374). Today a museum, it preserves the original study with a fourteenth-century chair and bookcase, manuscripts, books, sixteenth-century frescoes inspired by his works and an exhibition dedicated to his life.

Gardens of Villa Barbarigo-Pizzoni Ardemani – The Botanical Labyrinth of Valsanzibio

Located in Valsanzibio, near Galzignano Terme, the gardens of Villa Barbarigo-Pizzoni Ardemani are one of the most refined examples of an Italian Garden. Created in the 17th century by order of the Barbarigo family, they were inspired by Cardinal Gregorio Barbarigo and designed by Luigi Bernini. The garden is a universe of fountains, pools and landscape symbols of great charm.

Catajo Castle – The Obizzi Palace on the Euganean Hills

The Catajo Castle is a majestic residence that over time has served as a villa, ducal palace and imperial residence. Built in 1570 by the Obizzi family, it was expanded in the 19th century to house the Este court in exile and became a hunting lodge for the Habsburgs. On the main floor you can admire perfectly preserved Renaissance frescoes by Gianbattista Zelotti.

Praglia Abbey – Spirituality and history among the Euganean Hills

The Praglia Abbey, in the municipality of Teolo at the foot of the Euganean Hills, is one of the most important religious and monumental realities in the area. Inhabited by a community of Benedictine monks, it offers an environment of peace and spirituality. The Hanging Cloister leads to a panoramic loggia overlooking the hills. The complex can be visited with guided tours, and you can taste local wines or buy products in the monastery shop.

Monselice Castle – Journey into the Veneto Middle Ages

At the foot of Colle della Rocca is the Monselice Castle, also known as Cini Castle. The architectural complex, which underwent numerous transformations between the 11th and 16th centuries, includes buildings from different eras and has been a noble residence, a defensive tower and a Venetian villa. The visit inside is suggestive, with period furnishings and a splendid armory.

San Pelagio Garden and Castle – Labyrinths and Roses in Historic Gardens

The Castle of San Pelagio is immersed in a park full of roses and botanical mazes. Restored since 1970, the garden includes two areas with different botanical typologies, enriched by thousands of roses that offer a breathtaking spectacle, especially in May. An enchanting place, perfect for walks and cultural visits.

Villa Contarini – Piazzola sul Brenta – Baroque Splendor between Padua and Vicenza

Villa Contarini is one of the largest and most spectacular villas in the Veneto. The central body, commissioned by Paolo and Francesco Contarini, dates back to the 16th century; the current Baroque appearance is due to Marco Contarini in the 17th century. Rich in painted decorations and stuccoes, the villa hosts countless furnished rooms in excellent condition. The 'Tempietto', a circular chapel, is an 18th-century work by Tommaso Temanza, inspired by Palladio.

Villa Pisani – National Museum on the Riviera del Brenta

Known as the "Queen of the Venetian Villas", Villa Pisani is located on the Riviera del Brenta, a short distance from Padua and Venice. With its 114 rooms, it has hosted doges, kings and emperors. Today it is home to a National Museum with furnishings and works of art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the famous fresco "Glory of the Pisani Family" by Gianbattista Tiepolo, which dominates the Ballroom.

After a day among noble residences, medieval castles and thousand-year-old abbeys, Cà Vendalis welcomes you in an authentic and relaxing setting in the heart of the Euganean Hills. 
Strategically located near Villa dei Vescovi, Arquà Petrarca and Montegrotto Terme, Cà Vendalis is the ideal starting point for exploring the historical and architectural wonders of the area.
 

At Cà Vendalis you can:

• Relax after an excursion
• Get support for your outdoor itineraries
• Taste our Platters of cold cuts and cheeses with typical local products, our homemade focaccias.
• Book our Cà Vendalis wine tastings
• Plan your next stop in the heart of the Regional Park.

Book your stay at Cà Vendalis and experience the magic of the Euganean Hills a stone's throw from paths, nature and beauty.