Just a few kilometers from the historic center of Arquà Petrarca opens up one of the most striking viewpoints of the Euganean Hills: the Pianoro del Mottolone. This natural terrace is located on the flat summit of Monte Mottolone, which is also easily reached by car via the driveway road that connects Arquà to Faedo, but is ideal to discover on foot or by bike by following the beautiful paths that go up Monte Ventolone or the nearby Monte Fasolo.
The plateau overlooks the southern Euganean Hills, giving a breathtaking view: to the southwest, the peaks of Monte Rusta, Gemola with Villa Beatrice d'Este in evidence, Monte Cero with its antennas, and Monte Castello stand out. Among them, the thin saddle where the Calaone bell tower rises adds a picturesque touch to the landscape.
To the north towers Monte Venda, the highest of the Euganean mountains, flanked by Monte Vendevolo and Monte Rua, easily recognizable by the presence of the ancient Camaldolese monastery.
The environment surrounding the plateau is unique and valuable: the arid soil, composed of crumbly red flake rocks, is home to dry meadows called "vegri", colonized by typical Mediterranean scrub species such as broom, dog roses and strawberry trees. In spring and summer these expanses turn into spontaneous gardens dotted with colorful blooms and rare wild orchids. Further down, neat rows of olive trees and vineyards harmoniously design the agricultural landscape.
The Pianoro del Mottolone is a symbolic place for those who love the Euganean Hills: a perfect combination of nature, biodiversity and spectacular views, to be experienced with slowness and respect.
