Valle San Giorgio: History, Trails and Nature at Monte Gemola
Accommodation in Valle San Giorgio
Historic Core of Valle San Giorgio
Valle San Giorgio lies in a quiet valley between Monte Gemola and Monte Mottolone. A prominent historical landmark is Villa Mantua Benavides, a historic residence near the parish church of San Giorgio in Valle San Giorgio. The villa was built at the end of the 16th century by the heirs of Marco Mantua Benavides. In 1762, Bishop Giustiniani rented it as a rectory for the clergy. The villa accommodated Cardinal Rezzonico, who later became Pope Clement XIII. Located within the protected landscape of the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills, it is also home to Eugheneis – Centro di Formazione e Promozione Culturale. The landscape and architectural history give the area two clear perspectives for planning your trip.
File:Chiesa di San Giorgio (Valle San Giorgio, Baone) 11.jpg
Photo: Threecharlie via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Church of San Giorgio was first mentioned in a public document from 1293. The main altar features an early 17th-century painting depicting Saint George and the dragon. Remains of a Roman tomb are preserved in the south wall.
Trails Between the Valley and Monte Gemola
The circular trail around Monte Gemola starts at Villa Mantua Benavides and passes beneath the bell tower of the parish church of Valle San Giorgio. The alternative Valle San Giorgio–Baone–Este circular hike is 6.63 km long. The Sentiero Beata Beatrice is considered accessible year-round.
Parco Romanato is located on the former brolo, the villa’s former garden and orchard, of Villa Mantua Benavides. It is an intermediate stage of the Sentiero Beata Beatrice; from there, the ascent to Gemola begins and the return loop is completed. Cars can be parked at Parco Romanato or opposite the church for the trail. Parco Romanato was designed as a meeting place for the local community and visitors, combining well-being, environmental awareness and remembrance of the area.
Museum and Understanding of Nature
On Monte Gemola in the municipality of Baone, Villa Beatrice d’Este is home to MUSeuM, the Museo degli Euganei. Its tour is divided into nine thematic rooms. The natural history section presents the flora and fauna of the Euganean Hills through audio and video content activated by proximity sensors. In this way, the museum combines regional nature topics with a structured exhibition.
Crafts, Festivals and Regional Cuisine
La Corte Medioevale was founded in 1990 in Valle San Giorgio di Baone to revive historical events and old traditions of the Euganean Hills. La Corte Medioevale organizes historical events, medieval processions and exhibitions, and promotes traditional crafts and artisan activities. The 54th edition of the Sagra di Santa Marta was announced for 24–28 July 2026 from 7:30 p.m. at the Patronato Parrocchiale of Valle San Giorgio in Baone. The 2026 Sagra announced a food stand serving “bugagni,” pizzas and various grilled dishes.
Further Places for Planning Your Trip
Piazzola Sul Brenta, Stanghella, Masi, Baone, Campodoro, San Giorgio In Brenta, San Martino Di Lupari, Vigodarzere
To the higher-level travel overview: Padua.
_11.jpg){kind=link}