The best road cycling routes around Bovolenta

Beautiful climb (especially for road bikes) that leads from the castle of Este to Calaone.

Arquà Petrarca is a charming medieval village nestled on the slopes of the Euganean Hills, considered one of the most fascinating villages in Italy. Its destiny is linked to the poet Francesco Petrarca, who chose it as his home to spend the last years of his life, attracted by the peace of the landscape. Divided between the upper and lower areas, the village retains an untouched atmosphere, characterized by stone alleys, ancient residences in Venetian Gothic style, and lush nature made of olive trees, vineyards, and jujube trees, the symbolic fruit of the place. Among the points of greatest interest are the poet's house, his tomb in red Verona marble placed on the parvis of the church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the 14th-century fountain. The village offers enchanting views of the Padan plain and is an unmissable destination for those seeking history, poetry, and food and wine excellences such as the famous jujube broth.

Located along the road leading up to the upper village of Arquà Petrarca, Palazzo Contarini is a refined example of 15th-century Gothic-Venetian architecture in the Euganean Hills. The building stands out for its elegant Venetian-style facade, embellished with trifora and bifora windows with trefoil arches that recall the style of the palaces of the Serenissima. Fascinating traces of ancient Renaissance frescoes that once entirely decorated its exterior surface are still visible today. Built as a country residence by one of the most illustrious Venetian patrician families of the time, the palace testifies to the close link between the nobility of Venice and the Euganean territory, often chosen as a place for holidays, rest, and meditation. Today, perfectly integrated into the historical context of the village, it represents a stop of great historical and architectural value for those visiting the town.

The boat pier in Battaglia Terme represents one of the most evocative views of the Euganean Hills' navigable system. Located along the historic waterways of the area, this landing point preserves the charm of the ancient Paduan river tradition. The structure features a characteristic jetty accompanied by a covered roof used as shelter for traditional wooden boats, such as burci or rowboats typical of inland navigation. The area is situated in a very tranquil landscape setting, flanked by a tree-lined cycle-pedestrian path and with historic Venetian residences in the background. It is an ideal stopping place for both those exploring the canals by boat and for cycle tourists travelling along the embankments.

One of the oldest garden complexes in Italy with ancient trees. Worth a visit for nature lovers.

The Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani in Valsanzibio di Galzignano Terme is a Baroque masterpiece from the 17th century, world-renowned for its extraordinary historic garden, considered among the most important and intact in Europe. Designed by architect Luigi Bernini, the complex was created at the behest of the noble Venetian Barbarigo family as a solemn vow to God for having escaped the terrible plague of 1631. The park is not a simple ornamental work, but a true allegorical and spiritual path of purification. The visitor is invited to experience a journey of salvation that unfolds through scenic fountains, streams, fishponds, and over seventy statues rich in symbolism. The central and iconic element of the garden is the monumental labyrinth of centuries-old boxwood, one of the oldest and largest in the world, symbolizing the difficulties and redemption of the human soul.

It is the best-known image of the very famous villa.

A magical place in the heart of the Euganei Hills.