Monte Calbarina and Monte Piccolo Trail, No. 7

The Sentiero No. 7 offers a short and accessible itinerary that runs between Monte Piccolo and Monte Calbarina, immersed in the lush nature of the Southern Euganean Hills. The starting point is along the road from Arquà Petrarca to Valsanzibio, near Lago della Costa, where a wooden sign marks the beginning of the trail.

After an initial stretch in which one is enveloped by the coolness of locust trees, amolarians, field maples and siliquasters, the path continues toward the southern slope of Monte Calbarina, crossing more varied vegetation, characterized by elder, hackberry trees and privet. Along the way, a small fenced-in olive grove is encountered, preceding a fork in the road: here one continues to the right, entering an area shaded by centuries-old chestnut trees.

Having passed this area, a short ascent leads to a series of wooden steps, made by the Regional Forest Service, which allow one to reach the junction with the Atestino Trail. Here a spectacle of colors opens up, with the scotano, a shrub known for its intense shades of red that in autumn dye the Southern Euganean Hills with warm hues.

Alternatively, it is possible to choose a variant that, instead of going straight ahead, involves turning right at the end of the climb on the southern slope of Monte Calbarina. This route leads to the ponds of Corte Borin, an area of special natural interest, and then to the picnic area. Continuing along the trail, one reaches the vicinity of Via Mondonego, where one enters a charming grove where the China Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a plant introduced in past times and known for the beauty of its ornamental leaves, stands out.

At the end of the forest, the trail opens onto a scenic dry meadow, from which there is a privileged view of the surrounding mountains: the Monte Castello, Monte Cero and Monte Piccolo. The vegetation in this area is typical of the vegri, with a rich presence of dog rose, locust tree, ailanthus, black hornbeam, sulfina grass and purple geranium.

Thanks to its ease of walking and the extraordinary variety of landscapes, Trail No. 7 is a pleasant experience for those who wish to explore Arquà Petrarca and its surroundings while walking between history and nature.