Arquà Petrarca and Galzignano Terme are a microcosm of excellence.
A combination of culture, authenticity and wellbeing
In the Euganean Hills Regional Park, which is part of the UNESCO MaB World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2024, Arquà Petrarca and Galzignano Terme are two examples of excellence in the Veneto region. The former, one of “Italy's most Beautiful Small Towns,” has preserved its medieval charm and is associated with the figure of the poet Francesco Petrarca. Galzignano Terme is a well-known spa resort which has become a destination for wellness and wellbeing tourism. Together, they offer a unique combination of culture, authenticity and wellbeing.
ph credits M Danesin
Walking trails and food and wine experiences
Thanks to their strategic location in the Euganean Hills, Galzignano Terme and Arquà Petrarca are starting points for walking or cycling in nature through woodlands and vineyards. Lake Costa, part of the UNESCO serial site “Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps”, can be admired from below and also from above, along the Cammino di Sant'Antonio (St. Anthony's Way) which crosses the Regional Park, passing through the village of Arquà, and from here, there are various hiking trails. The village is lively all year round thanks to a calendar of events ranging from concerts and markets to cultural gatherings and food and wine experiences.
Celebrating the jujube and local olive oil
Among the most popular events in Arquà Petrarca is the Festa della Giuggiola which takes place on the first two Sundays of October and celebrates the jujube in all its forms, including the famous “brodo di giuggiole” (jujube broth). Alongside the jujube, Galzignano Terme boasts the production of De.Co. cherries which is celebrated on 2 June with markets, tastings and events. There are numerous wineries and vineyards that can be visited to appreciate the wines of the Euganean Hills, and the local extra virgin olive oil, among the best in Italy, is celebrated in November with the Festa dell'Olio Novello and can be tasted on guided tours.
