Attractions and places to see around Selvazzano Dentro, a municipality in the province of Padua, Italy, offer a mix of historical, cultural, and natural sites. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Euganean Hills Regional Park, providing varied topography of volcanic origin with trails for outdoor activities. Selvazzano Dentro and its surroundings feature historical landmarks, churches, and green spaces. Its location also allows access to the nearby city of Padua's attractions.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Historical Site
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On the northern slopes of the Euganean Hills, the abbey of Praglia boasts about 900 years of history and today presents the largest Benedictine monastic community in Italy, with over 40 members. The current Abbot is Stefano Visintin.
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Viewings only possible twice a week, Saturdays and Sundays.
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The back gate was open because there had been a celebration the night before. The cleanup must have been a real challenge :-) It's interesting to see the courtyard come alive again. A great backdrop, a building you can't miss. Beautifully integrated into the landscape, look at this castle on the Bacchiglione River. It's a worthwhile destination for a tour; it's definitely worth a detour!
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Villa Giovannelli Colonna is a rural palace in Noventa Padovana in the Veneto region near Padua, northern Italy, once famous for its sumptuous decorations. The villa was commissioned by the Giovanelli family to the architect Antonio Gaspari at the end of the 17th century. In 1738, on the occasion of Maria Amalia of Saxony, the daughter of the Polish King August II the Strong visited the villa, which was associated with King Charles of Naples and Sicily, the future Charles III. From Spain, Andrea Giovanelli and his brother Benedetto were married, decorated the facade of the villa with the festive portico and a precious entrance staircase by Giorgio Massari. On the balustrades are six allegorical statues representing the five senses: the Belvedere (sight/man), Il Odorato (smell/man), Il Tatto (touch/woman), L'Udire (hearing/woman), Il Gusto (Taste/Female) who are observed by La Ragione (top right). They were executed by Antonio Tarsia, Antonio Gai and the brothers Paolo and Giuseppe Groppelli.
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A beautiful setting at Castello San Martino. A great classic along the Bacchiglione river. Perfect for a picnic break, there is also water.
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Balla view of the Brusegana canal (brentella canal)
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I grew up there, along the Brentella, Caselle area towards Tencarola where the canal then enters the Bacchiglione da Stocco (historic trattoria located on the bridge that separates Tencalola from Brusegana/Ciamician (Padua district) the first stretch comes from the Brenta, separating from it at Barchessa di Limena, continuing to Taggì di Sotto, Sarmeola and finally the border between Caselle (my city, in the municipality of Selvazzano inside) and Padua, where it then flows, joining the Bacchiglione in the Brusegana area (at the Stocco bridge already mentioned), which then he directs to Bassanello. done a thousand thousand times by bike and also with the Canadian canoe, sometimes. and I immersed myself in the bacchiglione, with the tanks and the wetsuit: they were some rocks as big as lead batteries, but not good enough to eat.
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The area boasts several historical landmarks. You can explore the medieval San Martino della Vaneza Castle, which houses the Archaeological Museum of the Bacchiglione River. Other notable sites include the imposing Praglia Abbey, a Benedictine monastic community with centuries of history, and the elegant Villa Giovannelli Colonna. Selvazzano Dentro also features architectural gems like Villa Emo Capodilista in Feriole and the historic Castello sul Mottolo (Montecchia).
Yes, Selvazzano Dentro is close to the Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei, offering diverse landscapes of volcanic origin with numerous nature trails. Within the town, you can find green spaces like Parco Romantico Melchiorre Cesarotti, Parco G. Falcone e P. Borsellino, and Parco dell'Amicizia. The Brentella Canal also provides well-maintained stretches for cycling and canoeing.
The area around Selvazzano Dentro is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes, including those along the Horse Trail (Brenta River Trail), which offers continuous curves and ups and downs through vegetation, suitable for mountain biking. The Brentella Canal also has well-maintained paths for cycling. For more options, explore the Cycling around Selvazzano Dentro guide, which includes routes of varying difficulty.
Many attractions around Selvazzano Dentro are suitable for families. The San Martino della Vaneza Castle is a historical site that can be engaging for children, and the Praglia Abbey offers a peaceful and educational visit. The local parks, such as Parco dell'Amicizia, provide green spaces and play equipment. Cycling or canoeing along the Brentella Canal can also be a fun family outing.
Selvazzano Dentro is home to several significant religious buildings. The Praglia Abbey is a prominent Benedictine monastery. Within the municipality, you can find the Oratorio della Madonna Nera, the city's oldest parish church, and the Chiesa di San Daniele di Padova, dedicated to one of Padua's patron saints. Other notable churches include the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin, Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, Chiesa di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, and the Oratorio di San Pancrazio.
Visitors frequently praise the blend of history and nature. For instance, the San Martino della Vaneza Castle is appreciated as a great classic for a picnic break along the Bacchiglione river. The Horse Trail (Brenta River Trail) is loved for its exciting curves and ups and downs, making it a fun workout. The Brentella Canal is noted for its clean, placid water and well-maintained stretches for various outdoor activities.
Yes, the proximity to the Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei provides numerous nature trails suitable for hiking. The area features varied topography of volcanic origin, with gentle hills and dense forests. While specific hiking routes are not detailed in the highlights, the park is known for its extensive network of trails for nature lovers. You can find more information on hiking in the broader Euganean Hills region.
For art and culture, visit the Pinacoteca Civica al Montirone, an art gallery housed in a 20th-century building. It displays over 50 works, including drawings and miniatures from the 15th to the 20th century, from the Roberto Bassi Rathgeb collection. Additionally, the various historical villas and churches, such as Villa Emo Capodilista and the Oratorio della Madonna Nera, offer insights into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Selvazzano Dentro features several unique architectural sites. San Martino della Vaneza Castle, with its 11th-century tower, is a medieval fortress. Villa Emo Capodilista in Feriole is a masterpiece of Venetian architecture from the 16th century, known for its unique square plan and cross-shaped room division. Villa Cesarotti Fabris, built in the 17th century, also holds historical significance as the country residence of scholar Melchiorre Cesarotti.
Absolutely. The region offers diverse terrain for different cycling preferences. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the Scaricatore Riverbank – Brenta River Cycle Path loop. If you prefer road cycling, there are routes such as the Ascent to Monte della Madonna or the Zovon–Teolo Climb. You can find detailed guides for these activities, including Gravel biking around Selvazzano Dentro and Road Cycling Routes around Selvazzano Dentro.
The Euganean Hills region, including Selvazzano Dentro, is generally pleasant for outdoor activities during spring and autumn. These seasons offer milder temperatures, making hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural parks more comfortable. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or late afternoons are still suitable for activities, especially along shaded trails or waterways like the Brentella Canal.


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