Teolo is the main village of the northern part
of the Euganean Hills and was the former main
vicar office in the medieval age.
Teolo is linked to the city of Padova by a
country road; it is 13 Km away from Abano Terme
and is situated at an altitude of 165m up the
Monte della Madonna.
Teolo will be the
starting point of our excursion.
You can leave
your car at the parking lot in Perlasca
square (through Via Fontana Maggiore).
The first short part of itinerary takes you
down to Via Trespole and leads out of the
village.
The landscape here extends from Monte Venda
and Rocca Pendice in the south to the
northern Monte della Madonna, which is
the
second highest hill (525 m.) in the Euganean
Hills.
Once you approach a capital, the road
branches in two: continue straight (do not
take the left road) along a dirt road which
goes up for about 700 meters among
cultivated fields and farmhouses.
On your right you
will see a path winding upwards through the
woods on Monte della Madonna’s slopes. It is
advisable to hike this path on foot, wearing
suitable shoes.
The path goes through a forest of chestnut and
black locust trees: at this point in the
itinerary, we are on the southern side of the
Monte della Madonna. In this region you will
likely encounter some totally exposed rocky
areas, covered by prickly pear cacti (Opuntia)
which, during late Spring-Autumn, bloom full of
beautiful red fruits.
While admiring these marvelous plants, you will
suddenly notice, beyond a small wall, the façade
of a tiny little church with a bell tower,
dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot.
Beside the church there is a natural cave while,
on its back, there is a wide lawn with some
benches: this is the ideal location to take a
short break and admire the landscape.
The next part of itinerary
leads you into a slightly different geography: because
the ground here is a bit steeper and more slippery (you
may need to cling), you might need to be more cautious.
From here, you can reach a beautiful landmark: a rocky
outcropping offers an extensive panorama of the valley
below; extended before you are the curved outline of
Monte Venda, the rocky side of Rocca Pendice, the
elegant green valley and, on a clear day, you can spot
the crown of the Appennini chain in the horizon.
Going along
with the itinerary, you’ll walk a smoother
path fewer ups and downs which, after the
first part, will be sheltered by the shadow
of a downy oaks and chestnut trees. Every
now and then a rocky outcropping of trachyte
recalls the volcanic origins of the Euganean
Hills; at a first glance they appear to be
just big stones, however if you look
carefully, you will notice that they are bas
relieves. They represent some faces sculpted
by an unknown person, maybe by one of the “Salvaneo”,
the spirits of the woods who still stroll
about the Euganean Hills.
Departing from the woods,
you’ll find yourself in a mountain pass between Monte
Grande and Monte della Madonna: it is called Passo della
Fiorine (350 m.). It is a green area with a big lawn
where you can lay under the sun (remember to take a
blanket with you!); here you can also find some benches,
tables and a fountain with potable water.
Another option for taking a rest: simply go to Baita
Fiorine and enjoy the cafè-restaurant service.
INFO
Walk distance:
about 5 Km
Altitude:
about 200 m
Difficulty:
easy- average
Recommended seasons:
Spring and Autumn for the beautiful
colours of the forests and bushes;
Summer for nice shady areas.
Time to cover the distance:
3 hours
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