The San Pelagio Castle has medieval origins (14th century) as witnessed by the 14th-century tower of the Da Carrara family, Lords of Padua. In the 18th century, the property passed to the Venetian family of the Zaborra Earls, who adapted it as a noble residence and built barchesse (farm buildings). The Zaborra family has lived in the castle ever since. It was from here, on 9 August 1918, that the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio set off on his famous flight over Vienna, and its rooms bear witness to his passage. Other rooms house a FLIGHT MUSEUM with the history and evolution of flying machines. Losing oneself in the LABYRINTHS and strolling through the PARK OF THE ROSES will let you enjoy the beauty and harmony of a three-hectare park included in the GREAT ITALIAN GARDENS network. (www.castellodisanpelagio.it)
The BORGO MEDIEVALE di Pontemanco (Medieval Village of Pontemanco) has very ancient origins and today is one of the most evocative corners of the area to the south-east of the province of Padua, just a few kilometres away from the Terme (thermal baths) area. It is built on two settlements along the banks of the canal Biancolino: one around Villa Sperandio, the other near Villa Grimani Fortini and the beautiful Oratory of the Santissima Annunciata. The Borgo still houses the oldest mill in northern Italy, declared of special monumental interest by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.
THE ‘LA MINCANA’ winery was once used by a noble and important Venetian family to follow their work in the fields. Today, as then, the current owners Dal Martello have passed on their passion for cultivation, generation after generation, occupying an area of around 60 ha, of which 19 ha are vineyards (www.lamincana.it)
Return after the aperitif, approx. 12.30 p.m.
