The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Colli Euganei

The Monastery of the Olivetani stands immediately below the summit of Monte Venda (601m), the highest peak of the Euganean Hills: the first religious presence dates back to the end of the 12th century, with a hermit and his servant initially living in a cave, succeeded by some Benedictine monks; in 1229 the site, the small hermitage, became an imposing monastery, acquiring ever more prestige, passing under the Olivetan order; in 1771 the Republic of Venice decreed the suppression of the structure which fell into ruin, becoming a refuge for shepherds. The ruins of the imposing complex remain, but the skeleton of the church, the bell tower, and the crypt are still visible. It borders the military area of the former NATO base, delimited by a kilometer-long fence that precludes the entire summit of the mountain. The silent walls create an atmosphere of charm and peace, with an enchanting panorama of the hills and the plain, especially when the place is not crowded with Paduans who come to frolic in the beautiful seasons. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastero_degli_Olivetani_(Galzignano_Terme) https://www.visitabanomontegrotto.com/luoghi-di-culto/monastero-degli-olivetani-monte-venda/

The Castle of Speronella was a military fortification erected in the 10th century near the summit of Monte Pendìce (300 m a.s.l.): the height, due to its isolated and overhanging morphology, offered a strategic position from which to control both slopes of the hills, the valleys, and the plain. In 1320 it was besieged by the Scaligeri but resisted, earning the reputation of an impregnable fortress; later it was used as a prison and finally as a holiday resort for the Orologio family. The story of Speronella Dalesmanini, between legend and reality, dates back to the medieval period: she was a fifteen-year-old girl who had captured the fancy of the imperial vicar, who had her locked up here; but her family incited the people to a revolt that led to the girl's liberation and the defeat of the representative of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, thus declaring the birth of the free commune of Padua. Today, ruins remain of the fortress: traces of walls and a scenic window overlooking the Euganean Hills. https://www.visitteolo.it/it/castelli/ruderi-castello-speronella-rocca-pendice-colli-euganei/

Monte Pirio, located in Torreglia, is one of the most spectacular peaks in the Euganean Hills Regional Park. At 328 meters, it stands out for its characteristic trachyte walls that emerge among the vineyards, creating a landscape of strong geological contrast. From its summit, you can enjoy an extraordinary view that ranges from the imposing Praglia Abbey to the reliefs of Monte Pendice and Monte Venda. The trails that cross it are immersed in Mediterranean scrub and chestnut groves, offering routes highly appreciated by hikers and mountain bike lovers. Pirio perfectly embodies the essence of the Euganean Hills, blending the wild nature of volcanic rocks with the centuries-old local winemaking tradition, representing a landmark for those seeking suggestive panoramas and tranquility just a stone's throw from Padua and the thermal centers.

The chestnut grove area

Villa dei Vescovi is a Venetian villa located in Luvigliano, a hamlet of Torreglia (Padua). The construction dates back to the Renaissance and is inspired by a Roman domus. It can be considered the first example of the new taste for the rediscovery of Roman classicism in the hinterland of the Serenissima.

The climbing gym is well maintained and suitable for all technical levels. To be avoided during humid periods and after rainy periods.

Villa dei Vescovi is a Venetian villa located in Luvigliano, a fraction of Torreglia (Padua). The construction dates back to the Renaissance and is inspired by a Roman domus. It can be considered the first example of the new taste for the rediscovery of Roman classicism in the hinterland of the Serenissima. It has been declared a national monument[2] and is owned by the FAI.

The climb is steep and uneven. Once at the top, the view all the way to the Alpine chapel is stunning. Highly recommended.