Beautiful villas stand on the Euganean Hills, starting with the sixteenth-century Villa Vescovi in Luvigliano (a hamlet of the municipality of Torreglia), an elegant Renaissance building that anticipates many features of the famous Palladian villas. Its original function was that of a meeting place for an intellectual circle: conceived as a place to stimulate elevated thoughts and deep reflections. Even today, it is a cultural venue, hosting numerous events, but it is mainly known as a place of leisure. The outdoor spaces, freely accessible, are a popular park in the summer months when the heat of the city becomes unbearable. You can do as the locals do, lay on the grass for some healthy relaxation, or take a guided tour of the interiors and admire a splendid cycle of frescoes created by the Flemish painter Lambert Sustris.
The Villa Barbarigo in Valsanzibio (a hamlet of Galzignano Terme) is a nearly unique case of a splendid mansion built by a noble Venetian family on the hills of Padua. The villa’s garden was created between 1665 and 1696: its carefully studied elegance suggests romantic walks and possible courtships, but its meaning is profoundly religious. The Barbarigo family decided to create the garden following a solemn vow made to defeat the plague of the first half of the seventeenth century. It is a magnificent example of a Baroque garden rich in allegories and symbols, where centuries-old trees grow, some reaching 900 years of age. It is a true work of art created by man shaping nature. The garden can be visited independently or with guided tours.
In addition to the two mentioned villas, you can visit the beautiful Villa Papafava Frassanelle in Rovolon, equipped with a huge park with caves. Here, various events are held in both winter and summer, dedicated to both adults and the world of children with the aim of always leaving a lesson. There is also Villa Draghi in Montegrotto, but it is only open on special occasions. 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.