Overview
Country life in Venetia in search of history, harmony and beauty. Stay in luxuriously restored houses whithin the historical estate of Frassanelle, an undisclosed oasis of peace between Venice, Padua and Vicenza.
Frassanelle is one of the great Venetian properties. The 150 hectare estate consists of a Venetian Villa, a 19th century english park, a skillfully designed 18 hole golf course and cultivated farmland. All this 20 km south-west of Padua, within easy reach of the famous historic villas of the Veneto, many of them built by the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio, as also the Italian cities of Venice (50 km), Vicenza (23 km), Verona (90 km), Ferrara (80 km), Mantua (98 km), Asolo and the Lake district. Frassanelle reaveals its delights slowly and elegantly.
Leaving the bustling Venetian activities behind you, the drive leads you on a simple country road through fields which melt into the natural park of the Eugenean hills. You will soon discover the main villa of Frassanelle on top of one of the hills, seemingly shielding the elegantly structured farm buildings, the beautifully restored farmhouse La Bencontenta and a wonderfully romantic 19th century garden folly reminiscent of a palladian temple.
The estate of Frassanelle has been in the hands of the Counts Papafava since the 13th century, well over 700 years.
From May to October, on Thursday morning, the Estate will take you on a guided tour of the estate. Highlight of the tour are the surprisingly large artificial grottoes built at the end of the 19th century under the main villa. The tour will end with a visit to the falconers stationed on the Estate, with a show of free flying falcons. Bolder guests can also try to hold the falcons on their wrist.
Map & Getting there
The estate Frassanelle lies 20 km to the south-east of Padua, within easy reach of the famous historic villas of the Veneto, many of them built by the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio, as also the Italian cities of Venice, Vicenza, Verona, Ferrara, Mantua, Asolo and the Lake district.
- Montemerlo, the closest village 1,4 km
- Abano Therme with its spas 12 km
- Padua 20 km
- Vicenza 25 km
- Venice 67 km
- Asolo 65 km
- Ferrara 80 km
- Verona 90 km
Activities & Places of interest
- The immense cultural whealth and variety of Venetia is the main reason for visiting this area. Frassanelle's strategic position makes for many an inspiring day trip to Padova, Venice, Vicenza, Verona, Ferrara, lake Garda as well as Este, Montagnana, Monselice and Arqua' Petrarca in the immediate vicinity.
- The Venetian Villas: The hinterland of Venice is famous for the numerous villas (apparently more than 3.000) built between the 15th and the 19th century by whealthy venetians. Some of them are open to the public, for instance Villa Barbaro in Maser, Villa Emo in Fanzolo, and the Villa La Rotonda outside Vicenza. Other interesting villas are the villa Valmarana "Ai Nani" with frescoes by Tiepolo, the Catajo castle and villa Barbarigo which has a baroque garden with boxwood labyrinth.
- The main cultural landmarks of northern Italy: Frassanelle’s strategic location makes easy day trips to Padua, Venice, Vicenza, Vérona, Ferrara, lake Garda, Este, Montagnana, Monselice, or Arqua’Petrarca. Each of these towns offers highly interesting sight-seeing. In Padua you will not want to miss „Cappella degli Scrovegni“ with wall to wall frescoes by Giotto. This work of art is considered to be the beginning of the Renaissance. The Pinacoteca of Padua also has the Emo Capodilista collection on show which was given to the Museum by the family, one of the oldest of Padua.
- The Spas at Abano: The town of Abano Terme lies 12 km from Frassanelle. In Abano water rich in minerals rises to the surface at a temperature of 70° to 80°C. A half or full day at one of the many spas is a wonderful way to recuperate your inner strength.
Prepare your trip
Prepare your trip by downloading more info about the estate, the area, sights, shopping facilities, sports, beaches, restaurants and trattorias, wineries and literature references.
Download more info about the estate and the surroundings
Sports
- The Golf Club Frassanelle is considered the best in the area. The club house at Frassanelle - a cleverly converted farm building with a pleasant restaurant - serves excellent light lunches and full dinners. Reduced green fees for guests of Frassanelle.
- Two further 18 hole golf clubs are in the near surroundings. The Golf Montecchia and the Golf di Padova are both at a distance of 15 minutes by car.
