Monte Piccolo Circular Route

A hike between nature and history

The Monte Piccolo Circular Route is an evocative trail that combines the beauty of the hillside landscape with the agricultural tradition of the area. It passes through uliveto, oak and chestnut forests, with breathtaking views of the Euganean Hills and the valley below.

The route is characterized by variations in landscape, alternating open, sunny areas with stretches immersed in cool, shady woods. The highest point of the route offers an extraordinary view of the Monselice plain and the Calto del Mago, once used for the clandestine production of gunpowder.

The route in detail

Departure from Arquà Petrarca

We start from Piazzetta San Marco, taking the road that leads toward Monte Piccolo. After a few steps, you pass through the area of the Bar Ventolone, near which there is a large parking lot.

The walk continues past the Ristorante Miravalle, which offers viewing terraces with spectacular views of the village and valley.

After a few minutes uphill, you reach a small widening where there is a capitel with a statue of the Madonna and Child, set in the characteristic rocks of red flake.

The Atestino Trail and the first views

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At this point, turn right taking a sloping road, which coincides with the first section of the Sentiero Atestino (CAI, Euganean Hills Park trail marker No. 3).

The trail winds along the back of some well-sunlit houses surrounded by olives, almond, fig and jujube trees, typical of the area. Along the escarpment one encounters:

• Punica granatum (pomegranate)
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• Acer campestre (field maple)
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• Quercus pubescens (downy oak)
• Robinia pseudoacacia (locust tree)
• Ailanthus altissima (ailanthus)

Continuing on, one reaches The Fontanelle Farm, where a short stop allows one to admire the view on:

• The medieval village of Arquà Petrarca
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• The high ground of Monte Castello
• The valley of the Comezzara
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• The undulations of Mount Cecilia and the volcanic cones of Calaone

After the farmhouse, we leave the asphalt to take a grassy path, corresponding to the old Via Guastura, which descends to Via Spinèi.

Descent between olive groves and thermophilic woods

The path continues in slight descent, crossing a warm and bright environment, characterized by typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation:

• Celtis australis (hackberry tree)
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• Asparagus acutifolius (wild asparagus)
• Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree)
• Paliurus spina-christi (marruca), with its round fruits

When you reach a junction, turn right onto a country lane, which enters between a uliveto and mixed forest.

After passing a series of ancient trachyte walls, the trail enters denser vegetation consisting of bagolariums, locust trees, privets, and dogwood.

We catch a glimpse on the left Villa Masiero Centanin, surrounded by a scrub of leches and cedars, and a little higher up the historic Casa Badoera, located on Monte Bevilacqua.

Risalita towards the saddle between Mount Piccolo and Ventolone

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After crossing the last stretch of olive grove, take a gentle climb that leads to the highest part of the trail, among highbush and century-old fig trees.

Passing through a shadier area, characterized by the presence of elderflower, vitalba and ivy, you reach a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the plains of Monselice and Monte Calbarina.

Continuing on, one crosses a denser forest where they grow:

• Quercus cerris (turkey oak)
• Fraxinus ornus (flowering ash)
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• Carpinus betulus (hornbeam)
• Juniperus communis (juniper)

In the springtime, the undergrowth is colored by the blooms of wild iris, woodland carnation and scotanus.

You will reach the seat between Mt. Little and Mt. Ventolone, where you can see the Wizard's High valley, once used for the clandestine manufacture of gunpowder.

Descent and return to Arquà Petrarca

From this point the final descent begins, crossing an area characterized by roverella, chestnut and strawberry trees.

The trail narrows and gently descends, accompanied by the singing of jays and the gliding flight of poiane.

Arriving in the vicinity of Corte Borin, one observes the remains of ancient terracing, evidence of the agricultural use of the land until the last century.

After a short stretch through chestnut forest, you reach a fork in the road:

• Turning left, you can make a scenic detour to the peak of Mount Piccolo
• . Continuing straight, you follow the main route back

The last section of the route passes through an area rich in felts and mosses, until it rejoins the paved road of Via Fontanelle.

Descending between high robinia hedges and villas surrounded by greenery, we return to the Piazzetta San Marco, concluding the tour.

Why choose this route?

• Various route, among olive groves, forests and ancient rural roads
• Panoramic view of Arquà Petrarca and the plain of Monselice
• Well-marked trails, ideal for all seasons
• Rich in history, with ancient terraces and medieval streets